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Abstract An antenna array having a size of 45 $$\:\times\:$$ 40 cm2 (5.7 $$\:\times\:$$ 5 $$\:{\lambda\:}_{0}$$ 2) and consisting of four pairs of printed U-shaped dipoles positioned above a metal reflector, for 5G Sub-6 GHz base station applications, is designed and tested. The array consists of eight excitation ports, one port for each dipole. Four parasitic square patches are etched on the bottom side of the dipole arms for producing radiations in 2.2 GHz and 3.8 GHz bands. The size of the reflector and height of the dipoles are optimized in order to enhance antenna gain up to 11.5 dB at 2.2 GHz and 14.5 dB at 3.8 GHz. Beam steering up to 20 $$\:^\circ\:$$ is achieved, using phase shifted simultaneous excitation of different ports. The proposed antenna array not only fulfills 5G base station requirements but is also simple and compact as it only requires eight ports to achieve dual-band, high-gain and beam steering operation in a single design. It also offers a unique feature of dual-sector coverage per panel, which results in an increased coverage capacity of the base station without increasing the system resources.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) associated with brainstem lesions as revealed by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a rare condition. The MRI often shows a distinctive single pontine in cases of TN (SPL-TN). While the significance of this MRI finding remains unclear, various case reports suggest a potential link to chronic injury in the pontine pathways of the trigeminal nerve. In this report, we present the case of a 42-year-old female who was referred for TN that is refractory to medical treatment with an ipsilateral MRI lesion over the pons who had an excellent response to a trigeminal nerve bock, shedding light on the intriguing interplay between TN and pontine lesions.

Abstract New generation of electrochemical energy storage devices (EESD) such as supercapattery is being intensively studied as it merges the ideal energy density of batteries and optimal power density of supercapacitors in a single device. A multitude of parameters such as the method of electrodes preparation can affect the performance of supercapattery. In this research, nickel doped tin sulfide /tin oxide (SnS@Ni/SnO2) heterostructures were grown directly on the Ni foam and subjected to different calcination temperatures to study their effect on formation, properties, and electrochemical performance through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and electrochemical tests. The optimized SnS@Ni/SnO2 electrode achieved a maximum specific capacity of 319 C g− 1 while activated carbon based capacitive electrode exhibited maximum specific capacitance of 381.19 Fg− 1. Besides, capacitive electrodes for the supercapattery were optimized by incorporating different conductive materials such as acetylene black (AB), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene (GR). Assembling these optimized electrodes with the aid of charge balancing equation, the assembled supercapattery was able to achieve outstanding maximum energy density and power density of 36.04 Wh kg− 1 and 12.48 kW kg− 1 with capacity retention of 91% over 4,000 charge/discharge cycles.

Abstract Circulating tumour cells (CTCs), derived from primary tumours, play a pivotal role in cancer metastasis by migrating into the peripheral bloodstream. These cells are paramount in clinical research, serving as early diagnostic markers for metastatic cancer. Analysing CTC counts and their biomarker characteristics can provide invaluable insights into tumour identification, profiling, and metastatic capabilities. However, the rarity and diverse nature of CTCs in the bloodstream present significant challenges to their isolation and detection, especially in the initial stages of metastasis. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of innovative CTC separation and detection methods. This review focuses on applying nanoparticles, nanomaterials, and microfluidic platforms to simplify the isolation and detection of CTCs. The infusion of nanotechnology in this field marks a crucial turning point, enabling the necessary progress to advance CTC research.

This study aims to analyze how two different types of investments (local domestic and foreign direct investments at the provincial level) and revenues (booked by the provincial governments, general allocation funds, special allocation funds, local taxes, and retribution) affect investment loan decisions by local government banks in Indonesia. The study uses panel data applying ordinary least squares and multiple linear regression. Thus, 144 data were sampled from 2013 to 2021 from 16 local government banks out of Java Island in 21 provinces in Indonesia. The study found that local domestic investment at the provincial level affects investment loan decisions by local government banks. In contrast, foreign direct investment did not affect lending decisions, indicating that local domestic investment contributes to the real local economy at the provincial level. Different results were found in provincial revenues in the form of general and special allocation funds, which negatively affected loan investment decisions, possibly due to provincial revenues utilized to cover the financial deficit and capital expenditure spent chiefly on imported goods. Additionally, local taxes at the provincial level also negatively affect investment loan decisions, possibly due to fluctuations in local tax collection during COVID-19. However, the study found that local retribution contributes to predicting loan investment decisions, suggesting revenue collection by the governments considering local economic conditions. The study findings suggest that provincial governments should direct investments that can impact the local economy and spend their revenues on goods and services that can drive local economic growth. AcknowledgmentThe investment loan made by local government banks, which is associated with local investment and revenue, is part of a research grant project from the Economics and Business Faculty of Hasanuddin University. This project is a result of collaboration with national and international researchers. In carrying out this research, some inputs from people working in local government banks, financial service authorities, and provincial and regency governments are addressed.Thanks to Ahmadi Usman for secondary data and Syahidah Ulhaq for some application programs enabling mapping literature, as well as Israa Natiq Jabar for supervising the result and applied some inputs in the section of research method.

Abstract tDCS modulates the activity of the neuronal networks to induce the desired behavioural changes. Two factors determine its effectiveness- (1) whether the network being stimulated is relevant to the task, and (2) if there is a scope for improvement in behavioral performance. To explore this, both dorsal (sub-lexical) and ventral (lexical) reading networks were stimulated (20 min, 2 mA) in 25 healthy young volunteers. Participants performed two reading tasks with different levels of lexical involvement: word fragment completion tasks (WCT) and word association tasks (WAT), while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded simultaneously. The study used a within-subject design over three sessions, comparing various electrode montages targeting the dorsal pathway's left inferior parietal lobule or the ventral reading pathway's left middle temporal lobule, as well as sham stimulation. The impact of tDCS sessions (dorsal, ventral, & sham) and task type (WCT & WAT) on priming effects (primed vs. unprimed) of behavioral performance (accuracy and reaction times), and ERP parameters (N400 amplitudes and latencies) were statistically analyzed.It was found that tDCS modulated the performance of WAT only (a task with a lower priming effect). The failure to modulate WCT (larger priming effect) indicated that tDCS was effective for conditions with room for improvement compared to a task where performance has reached the ceiling. Ventral stimulation enhanced accuracy in the WAT condition and shortened the N400 latency of the priming effect. In contrast, dorsal stimulation delayed the priming effect reaction time in the WAT condition and enhanced the N400 amplitude. To conclude, enhancement in performance due to tDCS occurs when the network (ventral) being stimulated aligns with the cognitive demands of the task and there is a scope for improvement.

In modern communication systems, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology has garnered substantial attention due to its superior attributes compared to traditional narrowband communication systems. Over the past decade, UWB technology has also found applications in microwave-based imaging systems. This study introduces a simple planar coplanar waveguide-fed circular shape arc slot antenna designed specifically for biomedicine and microwave medical imaging applications. The proposed design is implemented on a 1.6-mm-thick FR4 substrate with a relative permittivity of 4.4 and a loss tangent of 0.0009. The antenna has physical dimensions of 26 mm × 29 mm and achieves an impressive bandwidth of 16.6 GHz, spanning 2.4 to 19 GHz. It exhibits a peak gain of 2.5 dBi and consistent omnidirectional radiation characteristics. Thorough temporal analysis validates the antenna’s performance within acceptable limits, which is further affirmed through practical fabrication and testing, demonstrating strong agreement with simulation results.

Abstract Objective Dravet syndrome (DS) is an epileptic encephalopathy caused by haploinsufficiency of the SCN1A gene. SCN1A gene deficiency limits the firing rates of fast‐spiking inhibitory interneurons, which should reflect in abnormal aggregate network oscillatory electroencephalography (EEG) activity that can be measured by spectral power and phase‐amplitude coupling (PAC) analysis. In this retrospective pilot study, we tested whether spectral EEG frequency band power and PAC metrics distinguish children with DS from age‐matched controls, an early step toward establishing EEG markers of target engagement by gene or drug therapy. Methods EEG data were collected from patients with DS (N = 6) and age‐matched control pediatric participants (N = 11) and analyzed for cumulative spectral power and PAC and classification capacity of these metrics, by logistic regression analysis. For this initial spectral and PAC analysis, we focused on sleep EEG, where myogenic artifact is minimal and where δ–γ and θ–γ coupling is otherwise expected to be robust. Results Cumulative δ (1–

ObjectivesDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition with hyperglycemia. Literature has shown a correlation between poor sleep quality and duration with an increased incidence of insomnia in diabetic individuals. The goal of this study was to determine the magnesium and potassium supplementation effect among diabetic individuals with insomnia.MethodsA randomized controlled trial (single blind) was conducted on 320 patients with diabetes; after 2 months of follow-up, 290 patients completed the trial. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess the severity and duration of insomnia, before and after the trial. Tablets containing supplements were prepared: placebo (T1), magnesium (Mg, T2), potassium (K, T3), and a combination of Mg and K (T4). Melatonin and cortisol (sleep hormones) were measured from blood (serum) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), before and after the trial.ResultsThe study included 93 (32.1%) male and 197 (67.9%) female participants. According to the analysis, there was a significant association between the treatment groups and ISI after the trial (post-trial), p = 0.0001. Analysis showed that there was significant association between pre- and post-serum cortisol levels in treatment groups 2, 3, and 4 (T2, T3, and T4) as p-values are 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001 respectively. Similar findings were observed for serum melatonin.ConclusionsThe study revealed that magnesium, potassium, and magnesium and potassium combined had a significant effect on serum cortisol and melatonin levels (sleep hormones). In addition, supplementation significantly decreased the severity of insomnia among patients with diabetes by improving sleep duration.

Abstract Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) promotes neuromodulation and neuroplasticity in the brain. The aim of this study was to determine the long‐term effects of the anodal tDCS on postural and trunk stability, physical performance, anticipatory postural adjustment and quality of life in sub‐acute stroke patients. Thirty‐six participants with sub‐acute stroke were divided into experimental and control groups using sealed envelope randomization. Outcome measures comprised the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Trunk Impairment Scale, Time Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, and Stroke‐Specific Quality of Life Scale. Assessments were conducted at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Within‐group analysis revealed significant improvement in both the experimental (p‐value

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an increasing widespread cause of disability and mortality, typically leading to dementia and memory impairment. Objective: This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective potential of Nigella sativa extract against TBI induced memory impairment in adult albino mice. Methods: Adult male mice were divided into four groups randomly: Control, Nigella sativa extract alone, TBI alone and TBI plus Nigella sativa extract. TBI induction was carried out in mice using a weight dropping method then Nigella sativa extract (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for two weeks. Morris water maze and Y-maze tests were used to measure memory improvement ability and Western blot technique was used to analyse the neuroinflammatory and synaptic protein markers. Results: Nigella sativa extract significantly decreased phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) proteins to reduce TBI-induced neuroinflammation accompanied by the restoration of both pre- and post-synaptic protein expression in adult mice model. Furthermore, Nigella sativa extract enhanced both short and long-term spatial memory against TBI in adult mice model. Conclusion: Nigella sativa extract abrogated neuroinflammation mediated memory impairment in TBI mice model. Further research is needed to determine Nigella sativa extract ingredients detail completely and to understand its mechanisms of neuroprotection in reducing memory impairments associated with traumatic brain injury and other neurodegenerative diseases.

ABSTRACTPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a vital agricultural commodity. It is widely cultivated and consumed in the world. The potato processing industry is emerging and generates an enormous amount of potato peel, which is considered waste. Inappropriate handling of this by-product gives rise to environmental pollution. Potato peel (PP) is an excellent resource of valuable bioactive compounds. It can potentially utilized as a food preservative, supply of dietary fiber in bakery products, pharmaceutical ingredients, animal feed, and renewable energy sources to boost eco-friendly food sectors. The potato peel powder is composed of crude fiber, moisture, ash, protein, and total lipids. However, utilization of potato peel waste can be improved economy. This review was designed to cover potato peel’s physiochemical properties and valorization. This predicts that using PP can not only shrink the waste load of the environment but also serve the pharmaceutical and food sectors considerably.

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between clinical indicators and gene dysregulation in different types of epilepsy, while also seeking to identify a diagnostic model capable of distinguishing between focal and generalized seizures. This highlights the critical importance of understanding clinical indicators and gene dysregulation for targeted therapeutic interventions to effectively address the specific seizure types effectively. Materials and methods: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the peripheral blood of epilepsy patients (n = 100) and a control group (n = 51) to determine the differential gene expression. Our analysis involved a range of statistical approaches, including correlation analysis to establish the association between clinical indicators and gene dysregulation, and principal component analysis to highlight distinct disease group from control group. Furthermore, we developed diagnostic models using logistic regression to aid in the accurate diagnosis of epilepsy. Results: Among several selected genes in this study such as AVP (AUC = 0.832, p

This study investigates the increasingly important issue of sustainable tourism development through the lens of Big Data analytics, economic considerations, and policy frameworks. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, we formulated seven hypotheses to explore how these variables impact attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and actual engagement in sustainable tourism. Using a questionnaire-based survey we collected data from N=398 respondents and employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for data analysis, we found substantial evidence supporting our hypotheses. Findings revealed that Big Data analytics significantly influence attitudes towards sustainable tourism. Economic factors shape societal norms and expectations regarding sustainable tourism, whereas policy frameworks impact individuals' perceived control over sustainable tourism activities. The study also confirmed that positive attitudes towards sustainable tourism led to higher intentions to engage in such practices, which in turn are predictive of actual engagement. Furthermore, societal norms and perceived behavioural control were found to be significant predictors of both the intention to engage in and the actual engagement with sustainable tourism practices. Overall, the results indicate that Big Data analytics play a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviors towards sustainable tourism. Moreover, economic and policy considerations were also found to be key determinants. This research not only fills a scholarly gap but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and business stakeholders in the tourism sector.

This article presents an extensive examination of antennas rooted in nature and biology, showcasing their remarkable performance across a wide spectrum of frequencies—from microwave to terahertz. The limitations of traditional antenna design have become increasingly evident in the face of burgeoning demands for novel communication technologies. Conventional analytical-equation-based approaches struggle to deliver the combined performance characteristics– encompassing bandwidth, gain, radiation pattern, and miniaturization– that emerging technologies necessitate. This has fueled an interest in bio-inspired antenna designs, a paradigm shift drawing inspiration from the ingenious structural solutions found in the living and non-living world, from plant leaves to bird feathers. These bio-inspired designs offer distinct advantages such as broader bandwidth and reduced sizes, making them highly appealing alternatives to the limitations of conventional antenna designs. This review explores a diverse range of bio-inspired designs. Among them are fractal geometries, inspired by self-repeating patterns in nature, which achieve optimal performance. Numerous designs in this category draw inspiration from nature, incorporating patterns observed in snowflakes, tree branches, clouds, and butterflies. Furthermore, nano-antennas have attracted significant attention for their vast potential applications in microwave and optical frequencies, playing a pivotal role in high-resolution spectroscopy, biomedical diagnosis and sensing, quantum photonics, and solar cell applications. By examining design methodologies and potential benefits, this article highlights the transformative potential of nature-inspired antennas. The compelling advantages of bio-inspired approaches necessitate a thorough exploration of their potential, paving the way for the development of next-generation communication systems with unprecedented capabilities.

Abstract The study aims to investigate causal recipes to improve restaurant customers’ loyalty (LOY) during COVID-19 post-pandemic. The study utilizes Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) within the framework of complexity theory to examine the intricate relationship between antecedent conditions, including Socially Responsible COVID-19 practices (CSR), Service Quality (SR), Customer Experience (EXP), Customer Satisfaction (SAT), Trust (TR), and Customer Commitment (COMM). The study used a quantitative survey approach, using a Likert scale to achieve the study aim. The survey has been strategically developed to gather intricate replies, taking influence from well-established scales within the area. The research purposefully recruited customers from the restaurant industry in Pakistan. A total of 450 full and valid replies were obtained via the use of Google Forms and paper questionnaires. The fsQCA approach is used to examine the data and ascertain configurations or combinations of antecedent situations that contribute to enhanced levels of loyalty. The results indicate that LOY is a multifaceted phenomenon in the post-pandemic phase of COVID-19 and is not only influenced by individual antecedent situations. This study identifies many routes that lead to increased levels of loyalty, highlighting the need to adopt a comprehensive and integrated strategy. The research emphasizes the diverse impacts of important factors, including CSR, SR, EXP, SAT, TR, and COMM, on loyalty. The novelty of this study is in its utilization of fsQCA and complexity theory to investigate LOY inside the restaurant sector among the distinctive circumstances of the post-pandemic period of COVID-19. This paper presents a critique of conventional symmetrical methods and proposes a comprehensive viewpoint on LOY, highlighting the need for sophisticated and integrated theoretical frameworks. Through the exploration of several routes to increased levels of LOY and the identification of the intricate influences of numerous preceding factors, this study enhances both theoretical and practical comprehension. The study places significant importance on an innovative research methodology and its potential impact on restaurant management, making it a noteworthy contribution to the current body of literature.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction difficulties, and repetitive behaviors that can hinder a child’s development. The growing prevalence of autism necessitates early detection and effective intervention strategies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of early indicators of ASD, including brain development markers and behavioral signs visible in infants. It investigates diagnostic processes, emphasizing the importance of timely detection at 18 to 24 months using established screening tools. We discuss a variety of therapeutic approaches, including behavioral interventions, educational strategies such as music therapy, and technological advancements such as speech-generating devices. Furthermore, we investigate pharmacological options for treating associated symptoms, emphasizing the lack of targeted medications for core ASD symptoms. Finally, we present evidence highlighting the positive effects of early intervention on developmental outcomes, advocating for individualized treatment plans to enhance the well-being of children with ASD. This comprehensive overview aims to inform ongoing ASD research and clinical practices.

Research has demonstrated the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in rehabilitation. TMS has been widely used in clinical and research settings for individuals with and without neurological dysfunctions. Therefore, understanding the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists regarding TMS is crucial for its application. To our knowledge, no such studies have previously been conducted in the rehabilitation field. Therefore, this study is the first to assess rehabilitation specialists’ knowledge of and attitudes toward TMS. An observational cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey was conducted among 102 rehabilitation specialists to assess their knowledge and attitudes regarding TMS application in rehabilitation sciences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the knowledge and attitudes of rehabilitation specialists toward TMS and examine the impact of different factors such as gender, education level, acceptability, and practice on these outcomes. Rehabilitation specialists who participated in this study showed a limited level of general knowledge of TMS in rehabilitation (7.81 ± 6.20, 37.19%). However, a significant association between educational levels and knowledge was found. Higher knowledge scores were observed for specialists with post-graduate degrees compared to those with only a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, knowledge level, experience, and availability of TMS equipment in the workplace led to a positive attitude toward TMS among rehabilitation specialists. A low knowledge level among rehabilitation specialists was attributed to their level of education. Nevertheless, specialists showed an overall positive attitude toward TMS. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate TMS theory and applications into neuroscience and rehabilitation courses for rehabilitation specialists as it holds significant promise as a therapeutic tool.

Background: Sjogren–Larsson syndrome (SLS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of ichthyosis, intellectual disability, and spastic quadriplegia or diplegia. Methods: Here, we report the case of a six-year-old female born to consanguineous parents who presented with an abnormal gait, described as tiptoeing, and generalized pruritis. Her symptoms began two years ago and were associated with a delay in expressive language and poor comprehension skills. Her teachers also report that she is delayed compared to her peers. She has a family history of Sjogren–Larsson syndrome (SLS) in her paternal cousin. She was referred to our center due to her presentation and an MRI finding suggestive of leukoencephalopathy. Therefore, a sequence analysis of the ALDH3A2 gene was performed via next-generation sequencing. Results: Genetic testing revealed a unique result that has not been reported yet, which is nucleotide exchange in a homozygous state at position c.844 in exon 6 of the ALDH3A2 gene (c.844A>T). Conclusions: Since this specific mutation has not been well documented in the literature, it is essential to report such cases and hence understand the general implications of such mutations to gain insights into their potential effects.

Background: The prevalence of cancers differs in different parts of the world and which makes studying every population important to know various risk factors associated with cancers common in various parts of the world. This study was undertaken to know the burden of cancer in rural Kashmir. Materials and Methods: Cases registered in the Department of Radiation Oncology, GMC, Anantnag, during 2019–2020 were enrolled for this study to check the prevalence and profile of cancer. Results: Stomach cancer was the most common cancer diagnosed in 233 patients in 2019–20 overall. In males, it was seconded by esophageal cancer, whereas in females, breast cancer was the second-most common cancer. Conclusion: Patterns of cancer distribution differ vastly across India; cancer patterns in Kashmir are more similar to the Caspian cancer belt with upper gastrointestinal tract cancer dominating both sexes.

Abstract Objective Epilepsy surgery is widely accepted as an effective therapeutic option for carefully selected patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). There is limited data on the outcome of epilepsy surgery, especially in pediatric patients from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Hence, we performed a retrospective study examining the outcomes of resective surgery in 53 pediatric patients with focal DRE. Methods Patients with focal DRE who had undergone epilepsy surgery were included in the present study. All patients underwent a comprehensive presurgical evaluation. Postoperative seizure outcomes were classified using the Engel Epilepsy Surgery Outcome Scale. Results After surgery, 33 patients (62.2%) were Class I according to the Engel classification of surgical outcomes; eight patients (15.0%) were Class II, 11 (20.7%) were Class III, and one (1.8%) was Class IV. The relationships of presurgical, surgical, and postsurgical clinical variables to seizure outcomes were compared. Older age at seizure onset, older age at the time of surgery, the presence of focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures, seizure duration over 2 minutes, unsuccessful treatment with three or fewer antiseizure medications, lesions confined to one lobe (as demonstrated via magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), surgical site in the temporal lobe, and histopathology including developmental tumors were significantly linked to an Engel Class I outcome. A univariate analysis of excellent surgical outcomes showed that lateralized semiology, localized interictal and ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) discharges, lateralized single‐photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography findings, and temporal lobe resections were significantly related to excellent seizure outcomes. Significance The results of our study are encouraging and similar to those found in other centers around the world. Epilepsy surgery remains an underutilized treatment for children with DRE and should be offered early.

IntroductionLanguage-based learning disabilities (LBLD) refers to a spectrum of neurodevelopmental-associated disorders that are characterized by cognitive and behavioral differences in comprehending, processing and utilizing spoken and/or written language. The focus of this work was on identifying early predictors of three main specific LBLD including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.MethodsThe Web of Science (WoS) was searched for literature related to (neurocognitive, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging) measurements used to identify early predictors of LBLD from 1991 to 25 October 2021. A retrospective bibliometric analysis was performed to analyze collaboration among countries, institutions, authors, publishing journals, reference co-citation patterns, keyword co-occurrence, keyword clustering, and burst keywords using Biblioanalytics software.ResultsIn total, 921 publications related to the identification of LBLD using (neurocognitive, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging) modalities were included. The data analysis shows a slow growth in research on the topic in the 90s and early 2000 and growing trend in recent years. The most prolific and cited journal is Neuroimage, followed by Neuropsychologia. The United States and Finland’s Universities Jyvaskyla and Helsinki are the leading country and institution in this field, respectively. “Neuroimaging,” “brain,” “fMRI,” “cognitive predictor,” “comorbidity,” “cortical thickness” were identified as hotspots and trends of (neurocognitive, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging) modalities in the identification of LBLD.DiscussionEarly predictors of LBLDs would be useful as targets for specific prevention and intervention programs to be implemented at very young ages, which could have a significant clinical impact. A novel finding of neuroimaging predictors combined with neurocognitive and neuropsychological batteries may have implications for future research.

Background: Magnesium and potassium are two critical minerals that have been linked to the treatment of diabetes and its consequences. A lack of magnesium has been linked to insulin resistance and diabetes, whereas potassium has been found to promote insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. The study aimed to determine the relationship between cholesterol, liver and kidney markers, and quality of life in diabetic patients before and after magnesium and potassium supplementation. Methods: It was a single-blind randomized controlled study at Lahore Garrison University and Lahore Medical Research Centre (LMRC). The study included 200 diabetes participants. Four groups were made based on supplements. Blood samples of all diabetes patients were obtained to assess their quality of life before and after using Mg + and K + supplements, as well as the association between cholesterol, liver, and kidney markers. Results: The participants' average age was 51.0 ± 11.08. 139 (69.5 %) of the 200 participants were female, whereas 26 (30.5 %) were male. There was no correlation between the quality of life measure and the patients' cholesterol levels before and after the magnesium and potassium supplementation. Furthermore, the kidney and liver indicators were not dependent on the diabetes individuals' cholesterol levels. Conclusions: The study concluded that none of the four groups noticed a significant effect of magnesium and potassium therapies on the patient's quality of life or cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed to determine if liver and kidney problems are linked to cholesterol levels before and after medication, as the current study found no significant correlation between the two parameters.

Coronaviruses have caused widespread disease and death worldwide, leading to the implementation of lockdown measures and the closure of educational institutions in various countries. This research aims to investigate the impact of social isolation on the cognitive functioning of young students. The study included 84 subjects, with 48 being socially isolated and 36 non-isolated individuals. The participants’ mental health was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), while cognitive functions were evaluated through attention-switching tasks (AST), pattern recognition memory (PRM), and choice reaction time (CRT) tests utilizing the Cambridge Neuropsychological Automated Battery (CANTAB) software. The socially isolated group had an average age of 21.3 ± 1.1 years, whereas the non-isolated group had an average age of 22.8 ± 2.0 years. The MMSE scores were 25.8 ± 1.6 for the socially isolated group and 28.6 ± 1.3 for the non-isolated group. In terms of cognitive functioning, there were significant differences (p = 0.000) observed in the values of AST correct latency for non-switching blocks (blocks 3 and 5) between the socially isolated group (608.1 ± 139.2) and the non-isolated group (499.5 ± 67.8). Similarly, the AST mean correct latency for switching blocks (block 7) was significantly different (p = 0.012) between the socially isolated group (784.4 ± 212.5) and the non-isolated group (671.8 ± 175.6). The socially isolated group exhibited significantly higher values in AST correct mean latency, AST congruent mean latency, AST incongruent mean latency, and AST percent mean correct trials compared to the non-isolated group. Additionally, the PRM mean percent correct significantly differed (p = 0.000) between the isolated group (81.3 ± 12.0) and the non-isolated group (91.9 ± 9.2). The isolated group also showed a higher CRT correct mean latency (482.4 ± 128.9) than the non-isolated group (451.0 ± 59.0), however the difference was not significant. In conclusion, social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decline in the cognitive functioning of young students.

AbstractPeanut is the most important oil seed in the world and is becoming a valuable source of plant protein and other important functional ingredients. The present study was designed to explore the nutritional, microbiological, and sensorial properties of the functional cookies enriched with defatted peanut cake flour (DPCF). Peanut seeds were roasted in a microwave, and oil was extracted using a mechanical extruder. The leftover peanut cake residues were collected and utilized for the development of cookies. The mechanical grinder was used to grind the peanut cake into flour. Afterward, DPCF was added at different levels (0, 3, 7, 10, and 14%) to prepare functional and therapeutic cookies. The cookies were tested for their biochemical (proximate, mineral, and antioxidant), microbiological (Mold count), physical, and sensorial attributes. The results showed that the mineral content i.e. calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium in the wheat and DPCF were 21, 1.21, 23, 0.80, 0.73, 137, 134.62 and 178.5, 3.81, 49.68, 5.28, 4.95, 730, 1266.50 mg/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant profile of functional cookies was found to be best in the T4 (14% peanut cake flour) TPC (4.33 ± 0.08 GAE mg/g) and DPPH (1.11 ± 0.06 AAE mg/g), whereas the Control sample has the lowest TPC (1.04 ± 0.02 GAE mg/g) and DPPH (0.18 ± 0.01 AAE mg/g). The thickness, diameter and spread ratio were 3.94–5.54, 31.09–24.98 and 7.82–5.1 mm, respectively. In conclusion, defatted peanut cake flour (DPCF) is a great option to be added in precise amounts (14% of the total) to fill the nutritional gap in cookies.

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome and an endocrine disorder, primarily considered as a loss of glucose homeostasis because of the insulin action and/or secretion or both. Currently there are more than 150 million people in the world affected by diabetes mellitus with a higher share of Asian and European countries. The current study aimed to investigate the comparative altering properties of streptozotocin (STZ), based on up-turn and down-turn configuration of biochemical, toxicological and hematological parameters in comparison with normoglycemic male albino rats. This comparative study was conducted among normoglycemic and STZ based induced-type 2 diabetic male albino rats groups. The male albino rats were intra-peritoneally injected with STZ with the dose rate of 65 mg/kg body weight for one time to developed type 2 diabetic model. Biochemical (blood glucose, uric acid, urea and creatinine), toxicological (AST, ALT and ALP) and hematological parameters (red and white blood cells) and their functional indices were evaluated in type 2 diabetic induced group along with normoglycemic rats. The STZ based induced- type 2 diabetic rats showed statistically significance (p

This study was based on the experimental performance evaluation of a wood polymer composite (WPC) that was synthesized by incorporating untreated and treated rice husk (RH) fibers into a polypropylene random copolymer matrix. The submicron-scale RH fibers were alkali-treated to modify the surface and introduce new functional groups in the WPC. A compatibilizer (maleic anhydride) and a thermos-mechanical properties modifier (polypropylene grafted with 30 % glass fiber) were used in the WPC. The effects of untreated and treated RH on the WPC panels were studied using FESEM, FTIR, and microscope images. A pin-on-disk setup was used to investigate the bulk tribological properties of PPRC and WPC. The complex relationship between the friction coefficient of different loading of RH fibers in the WPC, as a function of sliding distance, was analyzed along with the temperature and morphology of the surface. It was observed that untreated RH acted as a friction modifier, while treated RH acted as a solid lubricant. Microhardness was calculated using the QCSM module on nanoindentation. It was found that untreated RH led to an increase in microhardness, while treated RH caused a decrease in hardness compared to PPRC.

Aging is linked to the deterioration of many physical and cognitive abilities and is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The growing aging population is a significant healthcare problem globally that researchers must investigate to better understand the underlying aging processes. Advances in microarrays and sequencing techniques have resulted in deeper analyses of diverse essential genomes (e.g., mouse, human, and rat) and their corresponding cell types, their organ-specific transcriptomes, and the tissue involved in aging. Traditional gene controllers such as DNA- and RNA-binding proteins significantly influence such programs, causing the need to sort out long non-coding RNAs, a new class of powerful gene regulatory elements. However, their functional significance in the aging process and senescence has yet to be investigated and identified. Several recent researchers have associated the initiation and development of senescence and aging in mammals with several well-reported and novel long non-coding RNAs. In this review article, we identified and analyzed the evolving functions of long non-coding RNAs in cellular processes, including cellular senescence, aging, and age-related pathogenesis, which are the major hallmarks of long non-coding RNAs in aging.

In millennia, berries have captured great attention owing to their broad spectrum of functional as well as therapeutic activities, which is due to presence of their bioactive compounds. All edible forms of berries show important nutritional properties leading to their therapeutic potential and are considered as safe functional foods. Recently, various researches for further exploration of berries concerning nutritional and bioactive profiles as well as potential health benefits are on the way. This review highlights the latest research on bioactive compounds of all edible forms of berries and their related nutritional activities in humans and animals against different diseases. The current article revealed that berries have an array of bioactive moieties including phenolics, anthocyanins and ellagitannins with strong antioxidant potential contributing to their anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective roles. The demand and consumption trend is increasing day by day, due to their therapeutic effects as mentioned above. C-1: English and clarity of this paper must be checked by an expert, otherwise I will asked for professional editing

Abstract In this paper, we introduce two new concepts of F-contraction, called dual F ∗ $F^{*}$ -weak contraction and triple F ∗ $F^{*}$ -weak contraction, which generalize the existing contractions in the sense of Wardowski, Jleli and Samet as well as Skof. These new generalizations embed their roots in the aim devoted to extending the generalized Banach contraction conjuncture to the class of F-contraction type mappings with the use of multiple F-type functions. Furthermore, we establish the existence of a unique fixed point for such contractions under certain conditions. Fractional calculus can be used to precisely change or control the fractal dimension of any random or deterministic fractal with coordinates that can be expressed as functions of one independent variable. We apply our main result to weaken certain conditions on the fractional integral equations. Finally, we discuss the significance of our obtained results in comparison with certain renowned ones in the literature.

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effects of smartphone addiction on cognitive function and physical activity in middle-school children.MethodsA population of 196 children (boys and girls) from middle schools were recruited for this study with an average age of 12.99 ± 0.81 years, a height of 153.86 ± 6.50 meters, a weight of 48.07 ± 7.31 kilograms, and a body mass index of 20.22 ± 2.08 kg/m2. Smartphone addiction was determined using Arabic versions of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and physical activity levels were assessed by a physical activity questionnaire for older children. The working memory and selective attention domains of cognitive function were evaluated using a laptop screen's digital version of the memory automaticity and Flanker tasks, respectively. A one-way MANOVA was conducted to determine the differences in working memory between the smartphone-addicted and non-addicted groups. The relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity was analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test.ResultsThe cognitive function-attention domain accuracy component showed a statistically significant difference between the groups, with a p-value of 0.05). The reaction time between smartphone-addicted and non-addicted children showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.817). The relationship between smartphone addiction and physical activity was statistically significant (p < 0.001).DiscussionThe interaction effects between physical activity and smartphone addiction on reaction times showed statistically insignificant (p = 0.25) differences, showing that physical activity's effect on reaction times did not depend on smartphone addiction levels. The non-addicted children had significantly higher physical activity levels than the addicted children, indicating that smartphone addiction reduced physical activity.

ObjectiveTo examine the role of night shift work on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults suffered from earthquakes prenatally or as infants and to analyse the effect of stress on factors that influence MetS in this population.MethodsWe included 870 subjects from 2014 to 2015. All subjects work as miners for the Kailuan Mining Group and were born were living in Tangshan. Participants were classified into two groups on basis of their work schedules: day shift and night shift. They were further classified into the prenatal exposure group, the infancy exposure group, and the control group based on their age during the Tangshan earthquake. This study was conducted 38 years after the earthquake. Participants’ general demographic data, smoking and drinking habits, as well as work schedules were collected. All participants’ sleep status was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The measurement of all subjects’ waist circumference and blood pressure was made, and triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins were measured by collecting blood samples. The definition of MetS was made after the guidelines for preventing and controlling type 2 diabetes in China (2017 Edition).ResultsA total of 187 (21.5%) workers were determined to have MetS. The incidence of MetS was greatly higher in night shift workers who were exposed to an earthquake during infancy than in day shift workers (χ2 = 8.053, p = 0.005). A multivariate logistic regression analysis displayed male participants had a higher risk develop MetS than female participants (p = 0.042, OR = 0.368, 95% CI = 0.140, 0.965). Current smokers (p = 0.030, OR = 1.520, 95%CI = 1.042, 2.218) and participants who sleep fewer than 7 h per night (p = 0.015, OR = 1.638, 95%CI = 1.101, 2.437) had a higher risk of MetS. Prenatal earthquake stress was also a risk element for MetS (p = 0.012, OR = 1.644, 95%CI = 1.115, 2.423).ConclusionThe risk of MetS is significantly higher in night shift workers exposed to earthquake stress during infancy than day shift workers. Earthquake exposure during pregnancy is an independent risk factor for MetS. Smoking and sleeping less than 7 h have a higher risk of MetS than the control group.

Microwave medical imaging (MMI) is experiencing a surge in research interest, with antenna performance emerging as a key area for improvement. This work addresses this need by enhancing the directivity of a compact UWB antenna using a Yagi-Uda-inspired reflector antenna. The proposed reflector-loaded antenna (RLA) exhibited significant gain and directivity improvements compared to a non-directional reference antenna. When analyzed for MMI applications, the RLA showed a maximum increase of 4 dBi in the realized gain and of 14.26 dB in the transmitted field strength within a human breast model. Moreover, it preserved the shape of time-domain input signals with a high correlation factor of 94.86%. To further validate our approach, another non-directional antenna with proven head imaging capabilities was modified with a reflector, achieving similar directivity enhancements. The combined results demonstrate the feasibility of RLAs for improved performance in MMI systems.

The commercialization of lithium-ion batteries has revolutionized the field of energy storage, yet their usage of organic electrolytes has led to significant safety concerns. Solid-state electrolytes have emerged as a promising solution to these issues, enabling the development of high-performance solid-state lithium batteries. The NASICON-type solid electrolyte Li _1.3 Al _0.3 Ti _1.7 P _3 O _12 (LATP) has demonstrated excellent properties and significant potential. This study involves the solid-state synthesis of LATP electrolytes doped with Cobalt and Silicon. Furthermore, adding 8% LiBr into LATP-0.04 significantly enhanced ionic conductivity, reaching a value of 3.50 × 10 ^−4 S cm ^−1 . This can be linked to lithium salt filling vacant spaces between grains, resulting in a significant drop in grain boundary resistances. The electrochemical analysis through Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) indicates that the investigated material demonstrates the capability to sustain stability and functionality even under the influence of elevated voltages, notably up to 5.45 V. These findings imply that optimal cobalt doping and Lithium salt contribute to superior ionic conductivity compared to pristine LATP.

The GluN1 subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is encoded by GRIN1 gene. Mutations in this gene can cause neurodevelopmental disorders with or without hyperkinetic movements and seizures. It can be inherited as either autosomal dominant (NDHMSD) or autosomal recessive (NDHMSR). Patients can present with severe psychomotor delay, seizures, behavioral problems, stereotypies, and oculogyric crisis (OGC). There is emerging evidence regarding the molecular interaction between dopamine and NMDA receptors, cross-talk between dopamine and glutamate signaling, and mutations in GRIN1 could affect both glutamatergic and dopaminergic synaptic transmission. Dopamine antagonists, such as risperidone, which is used to treat behavioral problems, can cause extrapyramidal side effects, including OGC. Here, we present a case of an 8-year-old boy with a GRIN1 variant who was treated with risperidone for severe behavioral problems and experienced an OGC for approximately 30 h. The child had no prior history of such event and experienced no re-occurrences after discontinuing risperidone. This case highlights the importance of exercising extra caution while prescribing dopamine antagonists for patients with GRIN1 mutations and reports the efficacy of memantine in treating seizures and behavioral side effects in such patients. In the era of precision medicine, this case represents a good example of how patient's genetic makeup should be considered in prescribing the right medication for the right patient.

Sensory deafness is a disorder with a broad spectrum of phenotypes. It is associated with genetic heterogeneity, thus making sequential single-gene testing an impractical basis for diagnosis. Mutations in the gene encoding Protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) are known to cause non-syndromic deafness (DFNB23) or either dual sensory impairments of deafness and blindness (Usher Syndrome type 1F; USH1F). PCDH15 gene also contributes to neuronal development and function, therefore the PCDH15 gene is a promising candidate risk gene for neuropsychiatric symptoms. PCDH15 gene mutations have been described in patients with schizophrenia, autism, and severe intellectual disability. We reported a case of sensory deafness in a 10-years-old girl with presented with walking and developmental delay, and bilateral sensorineural deafness. NGS syndromic and non-syndromic deafness gene panel showed a variant c.5414C>T in the PCDH15 gene, which appears to be pathogenic.

In the current study, sustained release salicylic acid (SA) and ketoconazole (KCZ) loaded silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) were encapsulated in natural macromolecule-alginate (ALG) based scaffold through freeze gelation method for an effective treatment of commonly prevailed fatal fungal infections. After statistical optimization by central composite rotatable design (CCRD), the optimized scaffold was subjected to comparative in vitro/in vivo antifungal, skin irritation, wound healing, cytotoxicity, and histopathological evaluations. In physico-chemical characterization performed through X-ray diffraction (p-XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), an absolute lack of structural interactions was found between drugs and formulation components. The zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed spherical, highly porous negatively charged (–23.1) SiO2-NPs having a size distribution of 40–80 nm with successful encapsulation in negatively charged scaffold (-20.2 mV). The entrapment efficiency and drugs release exhibited visible quadratic influence of formulation variables on scaffold. The optimized ALG-scaffold demonstrated comparatively an enhanced in vitro, in vivo antifungal activity, least cytotoxicity and rapid wound healing efficacy in histopathological evaluation by sustained drugs release up to 14-days without any skin irritation effect. The study suggested the potential of alginate scaffold for not only the endurance of drugs loaded SiO2-NPs but also for the simultaneous co-delivery of medicaments fulfilling the need of consistent prolonged availability of drugs for better fungal therapeutics.

Brain stimulation techniques offer powerful means of modulating the physiology of specific neural structures. In recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation, have emerged as therapeutic tools for neurology and neuroscience. However, the possible repercussions of these techniques remain unclear, and there are few reports on the incisive recovery mechanisms through brain stimulation. Although several studies have recommended the use of non-invasive brain stimulation in clinical neuroscience, with a special emphasis on TMS, the suggested mechanisms of action have not been confirmed directly at the neural level. Insights into the neural mechanisms of non-invasive brain stimulation would unveil the strategies necessary to enhance the safety and efficacy of this progressive approach. Therefore, animal studies investigating the mechanisms of TMS-induced recovery at the neural level are crucial for the elaboration of non-invasive brain stimulation. Translational research done using animal models has several advantages and is able to investigate knowledge gaps by directly targeting neuronal levels. In this review, we have discussed the role of TMS in different animal models, the impact of animal studies on various disease states, and the findings regarding brain function of animal models after TMS in pharmacology research.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reveals the decision-making challenges faced by communities, governments, and international organizations, globally. Policymakers are much concerned about protecting the population from the deadly virus while lacking reliable information on the virus and its spread mechanisms and the effectiveness of possible measures and their (direct and indirect) health and socioeconomic costs. This review aims to highlight the various balanced policy decision that would combine the best obtainable scientific evidence characteristically provided by expert opinions and modeling studies. This article's main goal is to summarize the main significant progress in the understanding of neuroeconomics of decision-making and discuss the anatomy of decision making in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Food security is a rising concern worldwide. It is estimated that more than one billion people lack adequate supply of dietary energy and that at least half that amount suffers from micronutrient deficiencies. It is influenced by several factors: income, employment, race/ethnicity and disability, which adversely affect health. Food security has been considered as a risk factor for depression, stress and anxiety. Aims & Objectives: The research aimed to find the effect of food insecurity on mental health using systematic analysis. Place and duration of study: Data was gathered using Google Scholar, Medline, Embase, Science Direct and books from studies conducted between 2015 and 2020. Material & Methods: Systematic analysis was conducted with references to the literature. Results: This review showed a strong link of food insecurity with mental health status like depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the tests of depression and mental health in both secured and foodinsecure food areas should be mandatory at the primary health level. It is suggested that food insecurity interventions on national and regional levels may help reduce the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress and improve the overall mental health status of the community.

The demand for renewable energy sources is gradually escalating due to the spontaneously growing population and global economic development. The access to fossil fuels is gradually declining due to the limited available reserves. Hence, renewable energy resources, technology choice, and energy policy are always being revised due to the modernization of society. Meanwhile, the liquid energy sources such as methyl ester from locally produced vegetable oils are readily accepted by many countries globally, although it is currently being blended (up to 20%) with diesel. Oxides of nitrogen are the most substantial emissions from diesel engines produced due to high combustion temperature. The addition of alcohol in the fuel reduces the NOxformation since alcohols have high latent heat of evaporation. The present study’s primary purpose is to investigate the effect of different alcohol types on engine performance and emission characteristics. For this purpose, seven test fuels and neat diesel were used. The test fuels P20 (20% palm biodiesel with 70% neat diesel and 10% alcohol on a volume basis), D70P20E10, D70P20Pr10, D70P20B10, D70P20Pe10, D70P20H10 were prepared and tested on a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, DI-diesel engine at different speeds at 100 % load. The P20E10 ternary fuel blend illustrated the most practical combination of all the bioethanol-based blends, which considerably improves the BTE, BSFC and reduces NOxformation at high speed compared to other types of alcoholic fuel blends. Also, the P20E10 fuel blend improved the cloud point of neat diesel.

This study focused on evaluating the lubricity of diesel–biodiesel fuel with oxygenated alcoholic and nano-particle additives. Fuel injection system lubrication depended primarily on the fuel used in the diesel engine. Palm–sesame oil blend was used to produce biodiesel using the ultrasound-assisted technique. B30 fuel sample as a base fuel was blended with fuel additives in different proportions prior to tribological behavior analysis. The lubricity of fuel samples measured using HFRR in accordance with the standard method ASTM D6079. All tested fuels’ Tribological behavior examined through worn steel balls and plates using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess wear scar diameter and surface morphology. During the test run, the friction coefficient was measured directly by the HFRR tribometer system. The results exhibited that B10 (diesel) had a very poor coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter, among other tested fuels. The addition of oxygenated alcohol (ethanol) as a fuel additive in the B30 fuel sample decreased the lubricity of fuel and increased the wear and friction coefficient, among other fuel additives. B30 with DMC showed the least wear scar diameter among all tested fuels. B30 with nanoparticle TiO2exhibited the best results with the least wear scar diameter and lowest friction coefficient among all other fuel samples. B30+DMC demonstrated significant improvement in engine performance (BTE) and carbon emissions compared to different tested samples. B30+TiO2 also showed considerable improvement in engine characteristics.

In this paper, firstly, we introduce some new generalizations of F−contraction, F−Suzuki contraction, and F−expanding mappings. Secondly, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the fixed points for these mappings. Finally, as an application of our main result, we investigate the existence of a unique solution of an integral boundary value problem for scalar nonlinear Caputo fractional differential equations with a fractional order (1, 2).

IntroductionContinuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) has been used as an effective tool in inducing inhibitory aftereffect within a short time periods in the motor cortex; this has been demonstrated in the language network to a limited degree with controversial effect. In this study, we aimed to delineate the offline effect of cTBS-induced changes to the left posterior inferior frontal gyrus (pIFG) in healthy subjects using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).MethodsTwenty healthy, normal subjects (mean age: 30.84 years) were recruited. They all were right-handed and had no contra-indications for fMRI or cTBS. They were randomly assigned into the treatment group or the sham control group.ResultsANOVA showed that cTBS had a significant main effect only when the sham treatment was subtracted from the real stimulation in left superior temporal, left inferior frontal gyrus, thalamus, and right insular cortex (uncorrected p < 0.002). The subjects' post-cTBS condition differed significantly from their pre-cTBS condition in the left pIFG (uncorrected p < 0.002). There were interactions in the pIFG, bilateral superior parietal lobules, left superior temporal, left supramarginal, and left cuneus areas. The application of cTBS induced increased BOLD signals in language-related networks by stimulating the left pIFG (BA 44). This implies that inhibiting the pIFG led to increased use of language network resources.ConclusionThis study demonstrated cTBS-induced changes in the language network caused by stimulation of the left pIFG. Based on these findings, future studies on the therapeutic effects of cTBS on the right Broca's homolog area are warranted.

BackgroundConventionally, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) aims to focalize the current reaching the target region-of-interest (ROI). The focality can be quantified by the dose-target-determination-index (DTDI). Despite having a uniform tDCS setup, some individuals receive focal stimulation (high DTDI) while others show reduced focality (“non-focal”). The volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), gray matter (GM), and white matter (WM) underlying each ROI govern the tDCS current distribution inside the brain, thereby regulating focality.AimTo determine the regional volume parameters that differentiate the focal and non-focal groups.MethodsT1-weighted images of the brain from 300 age-sex matched adults were divided into three equal groups- (a) Young (20 ≤ × < 40 years), (b) Middle (40 ≤ × < 60 years), and (c) Older (60 ≤ × < 80 years). For each group, inter and intra-hemispheric montages with electrodes at (1) F3 and right supraorbital region (F3-RSO), and (2) CP5 and Cz (CP5-Cz) were simulated, targeting the left- Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) and -Inferior Parietal Lobule (IPL), respectively. Both montages were simulated for two current doses (1 and 2 mA). For each individual head simulated for a tDCS configuration (montage and dose), the current density at each region-of-interest (ROI) and their DTDI were calculated. The individuals were categorized into two groups- (1) Focal (DTDI ≥ 0.75), and (2) Non-focal (DTDI < 0.75). The regional volume of CSF, GM, and WM of all the ROIs was determined. For each tDCS configuration and ROI, three 3-way analysis of variance was performed considering- (i) GM, (ii) WM, and (iii) CSF as the dependent variable (DV). The age group, sex, and focality group were the between-subject factors. For a given ROI, if any of the 3 DV’s showed a significant main effect or interaction involving the focality group, then that ROI was classified as a “focal ROI.”ResultsRegional CSF was the principal determinant of focality. For interhemispheric F3-RSO montage, interaction effect (p < 0.05) of age and focality was observed at Left Caudate Nucleus, with the focal group exhibiting higher CSF volume. The CSF volume of focal ROI correlated positively (r ∼ 0.16, p < 0.05) with the current density at the target ROI (DLPFC). For intrahemispheric CP5-Cz montage, a significant (p < 0.05) main effect was observed at the left pre- and post-central gyrus, with the focal group showing lower CSF volume. The CSF volume correlated negatively (r ∼ –0.16, p < 0.05) with current density at left IPL. The results were consistent for both current doses.ConclusionThe CSF channels the flow of tDCS current between electrodes with focal ROIs acting like reservoirs of current. The position of focal ROI in the channel determines the stimulation intensity at the target ROI. For focal stimulation in interhemispheric F3-RSO, the proximity of focal ROI reserves the current density at the target ROI (DLPFC). In contrast, for intrahemispheric montage (CP5-Cz), the far-end location of focal ROI reduces the current density at the target (IPL).

Background: Anemia, interpreted as a low blood hemoglobin values, was considered as a major health complication in the world. However, anemia in pregnancy is a global public health problem in the developing countries, posing high risk of adverse results for expecting mothers as well as their fetus. The aim of study was to compare nutrientschr('39') intake among pregnant anemic & non-anemic women. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore over a period of 4 months. The data were collected from 150 pregnant women, including 75 anemic and 75 non-anemic women, through pre-tested questionnaire using non-probability convenient sampling method. Data were tabulated and analyzed with help of SPSS version 21.0. Results: Analysis revealed that 34% of women had carbohydrate intake between 0-150 g/day, 44% had protein intake less than 50 g daily, and 36% had daily fat intake between 0-100 g/day. Moreover, 46.7% of the pregnant women were vitamins deficient, 51% were minerals deficient, 52% were iron deficient, 54.7% consumed tea with their meals, 44% had vitamin B3 intake less than 10 mg, 48% had vitamin C intake less than 50 mg, 48% had vitamin A intake between 0-500 RAE, 42% had calcium intake between 0-500 mg, and 31% had iron intake between 0-10 mg. Conclusion: The findings showed that nutrient intake of anemic pregnant women was not sufficient in the protein rich diet; they had high consumption of tea with their meals. Their overall energy intake and micronutrients were less than the required as per recommended dietary allowance in pregnancy.

Abstract We introduce double and triple F-expanding mappings. We prove related fixed point theorems. Based on our obtained results, we also prove the existence of a solution for fractional type differential equations by using a weaker condition than the sufficient small Lipschitz constant studied by Mehmood and Ahmad (AIMS Math. 5:385–398, 2019) and Hanadi et al. (Mathematics 8:1168, 2020). As applications, we ensure the existence of a unique solution of a boundary value problem for a second-order differential equation.