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Background: Traditionally, pediatric endodontics lacked access to the full potential of rotary instruments. These instruments, designed for the permanent root canal system, often presented limitations when used in primary teeth. To address this, exclusive pediatric rotary files with regular improvements have been introduced, featuring superior cutting efficiency with a focus on precise alignment. This design offers the advantage of reduced risk of ledges, perforations, instrument separation, and canal transportation. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Pro AF Baby Gold and Kedo-S rotary files in preparing primary tooth root canals during pulpectomy procedures through a meta-analysis. Methodology: The review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. The review searched electronic databases from 2000 to February 2024 for studies evaluating the efficacy of Pro AF Baby Gold and Kedo-S files in terms of canal instrumentation, transportation, and centering ratio. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB)-2 tool assessed quality, with analyses conducted using RevMan software version 5.3. The standardized mean difference (SMD) served as the summary with a random effects model (P < 0.05). Results: Out of the five studies identified through the eligibility criteria, three were deemed suitable for a meta-analysis, while all five were included in a qualitative synthesis. The quality assessment revealed a presence of moderate-to-low ROB. The pooled analysis using SMD did not show any statistically significant differences between the files, except for the centering ratio in the mesiobuccal canal, where the Kedo-S file performed slightly better. In addition, the absence of any significant asymmetry in the funnel plot suggests that there is likely no publication bias present in the data. Conclusion: Pro AF Baby Gold files can be used as an alternative adjunct in pediatric endodontics to Kedo-S files and manual files. Prospero Registration: CRD42023469406.

BackgroundWearable sensors are increasingly being explored in health care, including in cancer care, for their potential in continuously monitoring patients. Despite their growing adoption, significant challenges remain in the quality and consistency of data collected from wearable sensors. Moreover, preprocessing pipelines to clean, transform, normalize, and standardize raw data have not yet been fully optimized. ObjectiveThis study aims to conduct a scoping review of preprocessing techniques used on raw wearable sensor data in cancer care, specifically focusing on methods implemented to ensure their readiness for artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) applications. We sought to understand the current landscape of approaches for handling issues, such as noise, missing values, normalization or standardization, and transformation, as well as techniques for extracting meaningful features from raw sensor outputs and converting them into usable formats for subsequent AI/ML analysis. MethodsWe systematically searched IEEE Xplore, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify potentially relevant studies for this review. The eligibility criteria included (1) mobile health and wearable sensor studies in cancer, (2) written and published in English, (3) published between January 2018 and December 2023, (4) full text available rather than abstracts, and (5) original studies published in peer-reviewed journals or conferences. ResultsThe initial search yielded 2147 articles, of which 20 (0.93%) met the inclusion criteria. Three major categories of preprocessing techniques were identified: data transformation (used in 12/20, 60% of selected studies), data normalization and standardization (used in 8/20, 40% of the selected studies), and data cleaning (used in 8/20, 40% of the selected studies). Transformation methods aimed to convert raw data into more informative formats for analysis, such as by segmenting sensor streams or extracting statistical features. Normalization and standardization techniques usually normalize the range of features to improve comparability and model convergence. Cleaning methods focused on enhancing data reliability by handling artifacts like missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies. ConclusionsWhile wearable sensors are gaining traction in cancer care, realizing their full potential hinges on the ability to reliably translate raw outputs into high-quality data suitable for AI/ML applications. This review found that researchers are using various preprocessing techniques to address this challenge, but there remains a lack of standardized best practices. Our findings suggest a pressing need to develop and adopt uniform data quality and preprocessing workflows of wearable sensor data that can support the breadth of cancer research and varied patient populations. Given the diverse preprocessing techniques identified in the literature, there is an urgency for a framework that can guide researchers and clinicians in preparing wearable sensor data for AI/ML applications. For the scoping review as well as our research, we propose a general framework for preprocessing wearable sensor data, designed to be adaptable across different disease settings, moving beyond cancer care.

IntroductionHIV-1 envelope (Env) is the key target for antibodies (Abs) against the virus and thus an important HIV-1 vaccine component. Env is synthesized from a gp160 precursor with a signal peptide (SP) at its N-terminus. This study investigated the influence of the SP on Env antigenicity and immunogenicity.MethodsEnv proteins from two HIV-1 isolates, AA05 and AC02, were analyzed as gp120 and gp160 in their native wild-type (WT) forms and as chimeras with swapped SPs (AA05-02 and AC02-05). The WT and chimeric Env were assessed for antigenicity and glycosylation using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and glycan probes. Immunogenicity was tested in mice using three vaccine types: gp120 protein, gp120 DNA+gp120 protein, and gp120 DNA+gp160 DNA.ResultsThe recombinant AC02 gp120 protein was antigenically superior to AA05 as indicated by higher reactivity with most mAbs tested. When SPs were swapped, the antigenicity of the chimeric gp120s (AA05-02 and AC02-05) resembled that of the gp120s from which the SPs were derived; AA05-02 was similar to AC02 and vice versa. Glycan probe reactivity followed a similar pattern: AA05-02 and AC02 showed similar affinity to high-mannose specific mAbs and lectins. Interestingly, the antigenicity of gp160s showed an opposite pattern; membrane-bound gp160 expressed with the AA05 SP (AA05 and AC02-05) showed greater mAb binding than gp160 with the AC02 SP (AC02 and AA05-02). Mice immunized with gp120 protein showed that AA05-02 induced stronger cross-reactive binding Ab responses than AA05 WT, and AC02 elicited stronger responses than AC02-05, indicating AC02 SP enhanced gp120 immunogenicity. However, when DNA vaccines were included (gp120 DNA+gp120 protein and gp120 DNA+gp160 DNA), the use of heterologous SPs diminished the immunogenicity of the WT immunogens. Among the three vaccine regimens tested, only gp120 DNA+gp160 DNA immunization elicited low-level Tier 2 neutralizing Abs, with AA05 WT inducing Abs with greater neutralization capabilities than AA05-02.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that the SP can significantly impact the antigenicity and immunogenicity of HIV-1 Env proteins. Hence, while SP swapping is a common practice in constructing Env immunogens, this study highlights the importance of careful consideration of the effects of replacing native SPs on the immunogenicity of Env vaccines.

Background: Pediatric dentistry necessitates efficient behavior management methods to ensure successful treatment outcomes and positive experiences for young patients. This research aims to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of “Tell-Show-Do (TSD)”, positive reinforcement, nitrous oxide sedation, and pharmacological sedation in pediatric dental practice. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients aged 3-12 years who underwent dental treatment at a designated dental center over a 1-year period. Patients were categorized based on the behavior management method utilized: TSD, positive reinforcement, nitrous oxide sedation, or pharmacological sedation. Treatment success rates and patient cooperation levels were evaluated for each method. Results: Positive reinforcement and TSD demonstrated the highest treatment success rates (85% and 80%, respectively) and patient cooperation levels (90% and 85%, respectively). Nitrous oxide sedation exhibited moderate effectiveness with a treatment success rate of 70% and a patient cooperation level of 75%. Pharmacological sedation had the lowest treatment success rate (60%) and patient cooperation level (65%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in treatment success rates (P < 0.05) and patient cooperation levels (P < 0.05) among the behavior management methods. Conclusion: Positive reinforcement and TSD emerge as highly efficient behavior management methods in pediatric dentistry, promoting high treatment success rates and patient cooperation levels. Nitrous oxide sedation offers a valuable adjunct for managing anxiety and enhancing patient comfort. Pharmacological sedation, while efficient in certain cases, should be used judiciously due to associated risks.

This data article presents tensile properties of about 1200 single carbon fibres (PYROFIL™ TRW40 50L) tested at eight different gauge lengths in the range of L0∈ [20; 80] mm with approximately 150 tested fibres for each length. The equivalent fibre diameter distribution is presented, and the mean and standard deviation are found to be df=(7.37 ± 0.34) µm. The obtained stress-strain curves are analysed by a second-order polynomial fitting method. The initial modulus, E0= (220 ± 3) GPa, and the curvature coefficient α=(3600 ± 250) GPa are determined. The failure stress distribution is analysed by the Weibull model. A Weibull parameter of m¯=6.7±0.8 is determined, and the characteristic (σ0), median (σ˜) and mean (σ¯) failure stresses are found to scale linearly with the gauge length. A length scale independent stress-length factor of σ0m¯L0=(560±60)GPam¯m is determined. The fibre properties determined in this work can be used as parameters to model the mechanical behaviour of carbon fibre composites by Weibull scaling, as done in [1] and [2].

Peripartum cardiomyopathy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are not very uncommon in routine practice, but when associated with abruptio placentae and significant hypotension, survival of both child and mother becomes challenging. We report a case of a 20-year-old primigravida who presented in the gynecology emergency unit of our hospital with an ejection fraction of < 20%, severe preeclampsia with abruptio placentae leading to fetal demise, and renal failure in the immediate postoperative period. Challenges faced during decision making regarding the mode of delivery and grave concerns during intraoperative and postoperative periods are discussed. In this case, prompt termination of pregnancy, various point-of-care sonographic measurements, and post-operative emergency dialysis played vital roles in the complete recovery of this patient with a failing heart and grossly jeopardized hemodynamics. Hence, multidisciplinary team-based management is crucial for managing such cases to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by the compression of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric artery. We report a case of an 11-year-old male who complaint of abdominal pain and intermittent vomiting for last 3 weeks. Diagnosis of SMAS was made with the help of radiological findings. The patient was managed conservatively with nutritional support, prokinetic agents, and stomach decompression. After 2 weeks of treatment, the patient’s symptoms improved, and he was discharged from the hospital.

Irrespective of men and women, colorectal cancer (CRC), is the third most common cancer in the population with more than 1.85 million cases annually. Fewer than 20% of patients only survive beyond five years from diagnosis. CRC is a highly preventable disease if diagnosed at the early stage of malignancy. Several screening methods like endoscopy (like colonoscopy; gold standard), imaging examination [computed tomographic colonography (CTC)], guaiac-based fecal occult blood (gFOBT), immunochemical test from faeces, and stool DNA test are available with different levels of sensitivity and specificity. The available screening methods are associated with certain drawbacks like invasiveness, cost, or sensitivity. In recent years, computer-aided systems-based screening, diagnosis, and treatment have been very promising in the early-stage detection and diagnosis of CRC cases. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an enormously in-demand, cost-effective technology, that uses various tools machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) to screen, diagnose, and stage, and has great potential to treat CRC. Moreover, different ML algorithms and neural networks [artificial neural network (ANN), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), and support vector machines (SVMs)] have been deployed to predict precise and personalized treatment options. This review examines and summarizes different ML and DL models used for therapeutic intervention in CRC cancer along with the gap and challenges for AI.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the major health care problems in many developing countries. Among various forms of TB, central nervous system (CNS) TB causes significant morbidity and mortality. CNS TB can present in various forms: cerebritis, abscess, meningitis, tuberculoma, calcified granuloma, meningitis, or hydrocephalus. But subdural empyema is a very rare form of presentation. Very few cases have been reported till now in the literature. So, high level of suspicion, thorough microbiological and histological investigations to diagnosis, and early and timely inception of anti-TB medication are keys in its management. Here, we are presenting a case of tubercular subdural empyema that was successfully treated with surgical evacuation and anti-TB medication.

Ravenelia is the third largest rust genus of the order Pucciniales with more than 200 described species. It is an important rust genus that has undergone tremendous taxonomic changes. This genus produces teliospores united into a head on a compound pedicel composed of two to several hyphae with autoecious, macro-, demi- to hemi-, and, more rarely, microcyclic modes of their life cycle which provide it a unique identity and have proved helpful in the identification of the genus. The current understanding of the taxonomy, history, diversity and distribution of this genus is discussed in this paper. Both online and offline resources were searched to gather data of the published literature. The data thus obtained were analyzed for numerical and graphical summaries to provide the diversity and distribution of the genus. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS and nLSU DNA sequence data available in GenBank and the published literature was performed to examine the taxonomic placement of different species within the genus. The genus was reported to be distributed over 53 countries of the world. Around 51 plant genera belonging to four plant families, viz., Fabaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Asphodelaceae and Zygophyllaceae were found to be infected with these rust fungi. The phylogenetic analysis based on LSU and ITS sequence data revealed the polyphyletic nature of the genus. A table of 248 species of this genus is also provided with all information of host, distribution and cited reference that can be helpful for mycologists to find all information at one place. Future perspectives for the advancement of this genus are also discussed.

Abstract The MECHANISMS study investigates how social norms for adolescent smoking and vaping are transmitted through school friendship networks, and is the first study to use behavioral economics methodology to assess smoking-related social norms. Here, we investigate the effects of selection homophily (the tendency to form friendships with similar peers) and peer influence (a social process whereby an individual’s behavior or attitudes are affected by peers acting as reference points for the individual) on experimentally measured smoking and vaping norms, and other smoking outcomes, in adolescents from high and middle-income settings. Full school year groups in six secondary schools in Northern Ireland (United Kingdom) and six secondary schools in Bogotá (Colombia) participated (n = 1344/1444, participation = 93.1%, target age 12–13 years). Over one semester, pupils received one previously tested school-based smoking prevention program (ASSIST or Dead Cool). Outcomes included experimentally measured smoking/vaping norms, self-report and objectively measured smoking behavior, and self-report smoking norms, intentions, susceptibility, attitudes, and psycho-social antecedents. We investigated selection homophily and peer influence using regressions and SIENA modeling. Regression results demonstrate lagged and contemporaneous selection homophily (odds ratios [ORs] = 0.87–1.26, p ≤ 0.01), and peer influence effects for various outcomes from average responses of friends, school classes, or school year groups (standardized coefficients [βs] = 0.07–0.55, ORs = 1.14–1.31, p ≤ 0.01). SIENA models showed that comparable proportions of smoking/vaping-based similarity between friends were due to selection homophily (32.8%) and peer influence (39.2%). A higher percentage of similarity between friends was due to selection homophily and/or peer influence for ASSIST schools compared to Dead Cool. Selection homophily was also more important in Bogotá, whilst peer influence was stronger in Northern Ireland. These findings support using social norms strategies in adolescent smoking prevention interventions. Future research should consider selection homophily and social influence jointly, and examine whether these findings translate to other high and low-middle-income settings with varying cultures and norms.

Abstract Emerging pollutants and a large volume of unused dyes from the textile industry have been contaminating water bodies. This work introduces a scalable approach to purifying water by the adsorption of Acid green 25 (AG), Crystal Violet (CV), and Sulfamethoxazole (SMA) from an aqueous solution by graphene oxide (GO) doped modified silica aerogel (GO-SA) with supercritical fluid deposition (SFD) method. Characterization of GO-SA using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) adsorption isotherms revealed the improvement in the adsorbent surface area, and its textural properties. The high removal percentages observed in most of the experimental runs provide evidence of the excellent performance of the adsorbent towards the anionic and cationic dyes along with the antibiotic. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics showed that the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models could explain adsorption. The adsorbent holds a higher adsorption capacity for SMA (67.07 mg g−1) than for CV (41.46 mg g−1) and AG (20.56 mg g−1) due to the higher hydrophobicity that interacts with the hydrophobic adsorbent. The GO-SA successfully removed AG, CV, and SMA with removal percentages of 98.23%, 98.71%, and 94.46%, respectively. The parameters were optimized using Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD). The prepared aerogel showed excellent reusability with a removal efficiency of > 85% even after 5 cycles. This study shows the potential of GO-SA adsorbent in textile and other wastewater purification.

ABSTRACTHypoxia results from an insufficient supply of oxygen, which results in physiological stress in biological systems. Cells respond to this unfavorable condition by reducing critical cellular functions, which include replication, transcription, and translation. Oncogenic Kaposi sarcoma-associated virus (KSHV) undergoes lytic reactivation in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, reactivation requires the synthesis of specific viral proteins, both structural and non-structural. Therefore, the virus manipulates the cellular microenvironment to ensure efficient functioning of the cellular transcription machinery, including RNA polymerase II (Pol II), by protecting it from hypoxia-mediated degradation. In this study, we demonstrated that hypoxia induces degradation of RNA Pol II via ubiquitination mediated by the NEDD4 E3 ligase, which results in transcription inhibition. However, in KSHV-infected cells during hypoxia, the virus-encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen interacts with NEDD4, inhibiting its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and requires complex formation with hypoxia inducible factor HIF1α. This activity inhibits the polyubiquitination of RNA Pol II to maintain steady transcription levels necessary for the synthesis of the essential viral genes needed for successful lytic reactivation.IMPORTANCEHypoxia can induce the reactivation of Kaposi sarcoma-associated virus (KSHV), which necessitates the synthesis of critical structural proteins. Despite the unfavorable energetic conditions of hypoxia, KSHV utilizes mechanisms to prevent the degradation of essential cellular machinery required for successful reactivation. Our study provides new insights on strategies employed by KSHV-infected cells to maintain steady-state transcription by overcoming hypoxia-mediated metabolic stress to enable successful reactivation. Our discovery that the interaction of latency-associated nuclear antigen with HIF1α and NEDD4 inhibits its polyubiquitination activity, which blocks the degradation of RNA Pol II during hypoxia, is a significant contribution to our understanding of KSHV biology. This newfound knowledge provides new leads in the development of novel therapies for KSHV-associated diseases.

Abstract BackgroundPromoting cognitive health is key to maintaining cognitive and everyday functions and preventing the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. Existing scientific evidence shows the benefits of various training modalities on cognition. One way to promote cognitive health is through engagement in cognitive activities (eg, board and video games). ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the benefits of dynamic adaptive casual puzzle games on cognitive function and well-being in healthy adults and older people. MethodsA total of 12 adults and older people (female participants: n=6; mean age 58.92, SD 10.28 years; range 46-75 years) were included in this pilot randomized controlled trial. This study used a crossover design with two phases (8 weeks each) and three measurement waves (pretest, midtest, and posttest). The participants were randomly allocated either to the control or experimental group. In the control group, participants read newspapers between the pre- and midtest, then switched to cognitive training with puzzle games. In the experimental group, the interventions were reversed. Baseline measurements (pretest) were collected before the intervention. The interventions were delivered on tablet computers and took place unsupervised at participants’ homes. ResultsThe outcome measures included global cognitive function, higher cognitive function, and emotional well-being at 3 time points (pretest, midtest, and posttest) using standardized neuropsychological tests. The participants showed improvements in their visual attention and visuospatial measures after the puzzle game intervention. ConclusionsThe study showed that digital games are a feasible way to train cognition in healthy adults and older people. The algorithm-based dynamic adaption allows accommodations for persons with different cognitive levels of skill. The results of the study will guide future prevention efforts and trials in high-risk populations.

Abstract Background Concurrent existence of lncRNA and circular RNA at both nucleus and cytosol within a cell at different proportions is well reported. Previous studies showed that circular RNAs are synthesized in nucleus followed by transportation across the nuclear membrane and the export is primarily defined by their length. lncRNAs primarily originated through inefficient splicing and seem to use NXF1 for cytoplasm export. However, it is not clear whether circularization of lncRNA happens only in nucleus or it also occurs in cytoplasm. Studies indicate that circular RNAs arise when the splicing apparatus undergoes a phenomenon of back splicing. Minor spliceosome (U12 type) mediated splicing occurs in cytoplasm and is responsible for the splicing of 0.5% of introns of human cells. Therefore, possibility of cRNA biogenesis mediated by minor spliceosome at cytoplasm cannot be ruled out. Secondly, information on genes transcribing both circular and lncRNAs along with total number of RBP binding sites for both of these RNA types is extractable from databases. This study showed how these apparently unconnected pieces of reports could be put together to build a model for exploring biogenesis of circular RNA. Results As a result of this study, a model was built under the premises that, sequences with special semantics were molecular precursors in biogenesis of circular RNA which occurred through catalytic role of some specific RBPs. The model outcome was further strengthened by fulfillment of three logical lemmas which were extracted and assimilated in this work using a novel data analytic approach, Integrated Cellular Geography. Result of the study was found to be in well agreement with proposed model. Furthermore this study also indicated that biogenesis of circular RNA was a post-transcriptional event. Conclusions Overall, this study provides a novel systems biology based model under the paradigm of Integrated Cellular Geography which can assimilate independently performed experimental results and data published by global researchers on RNA biology to provide important information on biogenesis of circular RNAs considering lncRNAs as precursor molecule. This study also suggests the possible RBP-mediated circularization of RNA in the cytoplasm through back-splicing using minor spliceosome.

Background A spinal epidural arachnoid cyst (SEAC) is a rare clinical entity. We performed a systematic review of the literature to obtain information regarding demographics, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and outcome of SEACs. Methods A literature search was performed by using the databases PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, and Ovid Medline In-Process. A total of 170 articles were found on literature search. We found 575 cases of SEAC since 1904 for inclusion in the review including three cases which were operated by us. We studied the patient characteristics, clinical features, and management strategies, and evaluated their outcome. Results The average age of presentation was 30 years with a male:female ratio of 1.03:1. They are commonly seen in the thoracic region (42.3%). The length of cyst was more than two vertebral levels in 85.81%. Mean symptom duration was 29 months, with most common presentation being that of compressive myelopathy. A good clinical outcome was present in symptomatic patients who had a shorter symptom duration and underwent complete surgical excision of the SEAC. Age, sex, length of lesion, and presence of dural defect did not have a bearing on the surgical outcome. Conclusion For thoracic compressive myelopathy in a young patient, SEAC should be kept as a differential diagnosis. Surgical complete excision of the cyst with meticulous closure of the dural defect is the standard in management for a good clinical outcome.

We want to highlight a simple technique for performing smaller craniotomies, using a marker computed tomography scan, which does not require any special equipment, training or cost and is not time-consuming. Pictorial description of two such cases have been provided.

In this article, we formulate the concept of generalize bonvexity/pseudobonvexity functions. We formulate duality results for second-order fractional symmetric dual programs of G-Wolfe-type model. In the next section, we explain the duality theorems under generalize bonvexity/pseudobonvexity assumptions. We identify a function lying exclusively in the class of generalize pseudobonvex and not in class of generalize bonvex functions. Our results are more generalized several known results in the literature.

Biomaterials are widely used for various medical purposes, for instance, implants, tissue engineering, medical devices, and drug delivery systems. Natural biomaterials can be obtained from proteins, carbohydrates, and cell-specific sources. However, when these biomaterials are introduced into the body, they trigger an immune response which may lead to rejection and failure of the implanted device or tissue. The immune system recognizes natural biomaterials as foreign substances and triggers the activation of several immune cells, for instance, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. These cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which recruit other immune cells to the implantation site. The activation of the immune system can lead to an inflammatory response, which can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the type of natural biomaterial and the extent of the immune response. These biomaterials can also influence the immune response by modulating the behavior of immune cells. For example, biomaterials with specific surface properties, such as charge and hydrophobicity, can affect the activation and differentiation of immune cells. Additionally, biomaterials can be engineered to release immunomodulatory factors, such as anti-inflammatory cytokines, to promote a tolerogenic immune response. In conclusion, the interaction between biomaterials and the body’s immune system is an intricate procedure with potential consequences for the effectiveness of therapeutics and medical devices. A better understanding of this interplay can help to design biomaterials that promote favorable immune responses and minimize adverse reactions.

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the basic functioning of the health care system. There has been an adverse impact on non-COVID-19 patients due to a shift in healthcare delivery, which is underreported. This study aims to explore the impact of the pandemic on various aspects of non-COVID neurosurgical patients. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a structured questionnaire to assess the physical, economic, and psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures on neurosurgical patients presenting to our hospital after a nationwide lockdown. Results Among 203 patients, non-neurotrauma and neurotrauma cases were 175 (86%) and 28 (16%), respectively. Among non-neurotrauma patients, 130 (64%) patients had cranial pathology. All 56 (27.6%) preoperative patients experienced rescheduling of surgery. Among 52 postsurgical patients, 47 (90%) had their adjuvant therapy delayed. Forty patients experienced deterioration in their neurological symptoms. Seventy-six (37%) patients sought medical attention from private hospitals. A severe contraction of income (≥ 25% of the income before lockdown) was experienced by families of 29 (14.3%) patients. Severe and very severe stress have been experienced by 24 (11.8%) and 14 (6.9%) patients, respectively. Severe and very severe anxiety was experienced by 32 (15.8%) and 9 (4.4%) patients. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown had a tremendous impact on the physical, social, and psychological well-being of patients with non-COVID illnesses. We are yet to face the long-term implications of the delay due to this pandemic in scheduled surgical and adjuvant treatments of non-COVID neurosurgical patients.

The Wolfe-type model over arbitrary cones is a new sort of model that we introduce in this article. We defend duality theorems under more generalized higher-order assumptions in the section after this. We identify a function that only belongs to the class of generalize higher order pseudoinvex functions, not the class of generalize higher order invex functions. In the last section, we added a conclusion for future prosecutions for the researchers. Additionally, compared to earlier results in the literature, all of the results in this research are more broadly applicable.

Abstract Background Spindle cell tumors of the scalp are notorious for their potential to present with torrential life-threatening bleeds during surgery and in the postoperative period. We present the successful management of one such case. Case presentation A 54-year-old male was operated on for a huge spindle cell tumor of the scalp located in the occipital area. During surgery, blood loss of 2 l was replaced with crystalloids, colloids, and packed red cells. However, during the change of position from prone to supine immediately after surgery, the patient developed sudden and torrential bleeding from the surgical site, leading to asystole and cardiac arrest. The patient was revived and put on postoperative ventilatory support for 1 day in the intensive care unit. He could be discharged successfully without sequelae. Conclusions Positioning after surgery of a vascular tumor of the scalp should be gentle, slow, and monitored. Sudden movements predispose patients to secondary hemorrhage, which in scalp tumors could be torrential and life-threatening.

Abstract Little is known about the personality and cognitive traits that shape adolescents’ sensitivity to social norms. Further, few studies have harnessed novel empirical tools to elicit sensitivity to social norms among adolescent populations. This paper examines the association between sensitivity to norms and various personality and cognitive traits using an incentivised rule-following task grounded in Game Theory. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1274 adolescents. Self-administered questionnaires were used to measure personality traits as well as other psychosocial characteristics. Incentivised rule-following experiments gauged sensitivity to social norms. A series of multilevel mixed effects ordered logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between sensitivity to norms and the personality and cognitive traits. The results highlighted statistically significant univariate associations between the personality and cognitive traits and sensitivity to norms. However, in the multivariate adjusted model, the only factor associated with sensitivity to norms was gender. The gender-stratified analyses revealed differences in the personality and cognitive traits associated with sensitivity to norms across genders. For males need to belong was significantly negatively associated with sensitivity to norms in the multivariate model. By comparison, emotional stability was negatively associated with sensitivity to norms for females. This study reinforced the findings from an earlier study and suggested female adolescents had higher levels of sensitivity to norms. The results indicated no consistent pattern between sensitivity to norms and the personality and cognitive traits. Our findings provide a basis for further empirical research on a relatively nascent construct, and bring a fresh perspective to the question of norm-following preferences among this age group.

Abstract Background Large-scale hunting and various anthropogenic pressures in the recent past have pushed the Asiatic caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi), an elusive medium-sized and locally threatened felid species towards local extinction in India. Though widely distributed historically, it has been sparsely reported from several regions of central and northern states in India till twentieth century. Later, the species distribution became confined only to the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, which have had reported sightings in the twenty-first century. In order to highlight the potentially suitable habitats for Asiatic caracals in India, we targeted forth-filtering of the spatial model ensemble by creating and utilizing the validated and spatially thinned species presence information (n = 69) and related ecological variables (aridity, NDVI, precipitation seasonality, temperature seasonality, terrain ruggedness), filtered with anthropological variable (nightlight). Results Out of eight spatial prediction models, the two most parsimonious models, Random Forest (AUC 0.91) and MaxEnt (AUC 0.89) were weighted and ensembled. The ensemble model indicated several clustered habitats, covering 1207.83 km2 areas in Kachchh (Gujarat), Aravalli mountains (Rajasthan), Malwa plateau (Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh), and Bundelkhand region (Madhya Pradesh) as potentially suitable habitats for caracals. Output probabilities of pixels were further regressed with converted vegetation height data within selected highly potential habitats, i.e., Ranthambore Kuno Landscape (RKL) (suitability ~ 0.44 + 0.03(vegetation height) **, R 2 = 0.27). The regression model inferred a significant positive relation between vegetation height and habitat suitability, hence the lowest ordinal class out of three classes of converted vegetation height was masked out from the RKL, which yielded in an area of 567 km2 as potentially highly suitable habitats for caracals, which can be further proposed as survey areas and conservation priority areas for caracals. Conclusion The study charts out the small pockets of landscape in and around dryland protected areas, suitable for caracal in the Indian context, which need attention for landscape conservation.

Background and aim: The ingredients viz., Artemisia roxburghiana, Cissampelos pareira, Stephania glabra, Drimia indica, Roylea cinerea, Tinospora sinensis and Curcuma longa of the present formulation are used to treat diabetes in the Indian traditional medical system. Adopting the concept of multiple herbal mixtures for better therapeutic effects from the ancient Ayurvedic text Sarangdhar Samhita, the present study aimed to develop a polyherbal formulation (PHF) of seven herbs and to evaluate its sodium-glucose cotransporter protein-2 (SGLT2) inhibitory effect on type 2 diabetic rats. Experimental procedure: Streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (NAM) (120 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered to induce type 2 diabetes in Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 5 groups viz. normal control, diabetic control, positive control (dapagliflozin at 0.1 mg/kg) and two test groups (PHF at 250 and 500 mg/kg). Various parameters including blood glucose, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), bilirubin, triglycerides and creatinine were measured. Results and conclusion: The treatment with PHF (250 and 500 mg/kg) showed a significant (p

Abstract Diapeutics gene markers in colorectal cancer (CRC) can help manage mortality caused by the disease. We applied a game-theoretic link relevance Index (LRI) scoring on the high-throughput whole-genome transcriptome dataset to identify salient genes in CRC and obtained 126 salient genes with LRI score greater than zero. The biomarkers database lacks preliminary information on the salient genes as biomarkers for all the available cancer cell types. The salient genes revealed eleven, one and six overrepresentations for major Biological Processes, Molecular Function, and Cellular components. However, no enrichment with respect to chromosome location was found for the salient genes. Significantly high enrichments were observed for several KEGG, Reactome and PPI terms. The survival analysis of top protein-coding salient genes exhibited superior prognostic characteristics for CRC. MIR143HG, AMOTL1, ACTG2 and other salient genes lack sufficient information regarding their etiological role in CRC. Further investigation in LRI methodology and salient genes to augment the existing knowledge base may create new milestones in CRC diapeutics.

Background: Twenty-four-hour heart rate (HR) integrates multiple physiological and psychological systems related to health and well-being, and can be continuously monitored in high temporal resolution over several days with wearable HR monitors. Using HR data from two independent datasets of cancer patients and their caregivers, we aimed to identify dyadic and individual patterns of 24 h HR variation and assess their relationship to demographic, environmental, psychological, and clinical variables of interest. Methods: a novel regularized approach to high-dimensional canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was used to identify factors reflecting dyadic and individual variation in the 24 h (circadian) HR trajectories of 430 people in 215 dyads, then regression analysis was used to relate these patterns to explanatory variables. Results: Four distinct factors of dyadic covariation in circadian HR were found, contributing approximately 7% to overall circadian HR variation. These factors, along with non-dyadic factors reflecting individual variation exhibited diverse and statistically robust patterns of association with explanatory variables of interest. Conclusions: Both dyadic and individual anomalies are present in the 24 h HR patterns of cancer patients and their caregivers. These patterns are largely synchronous, and their presence robustly associates with multiple explanatory variables. One notable finding is that higher mood scores in cancer patients correspond to an earlier HR nadir in the morning and higher HR during the afternoon.

Meningiomas are the most common benign neoplasm of the brain whereas ectopic presentation, although reported, is rare. Among these ectopic tumors, there are a group of purely intraosseous meningiomas, which usually are diagnosed differentially from common primary osseous tumor such as fibrous dysplasia and osteoid osteoma. The World Health Organization (WHO) Grade 1 meningioma with an involvement of scalp, calvarial bone, dura, and brain seen rarely. This type of atypical presentation of the WHO Grade 1 meningioma rarely documented. The main theories to justify the unusual topography appear to be embryological remains of neuroectodermal tissue or cellular dedifferentiation. Surgical treatment seems the best curative option. Meningioma with bony involvement could be very aggressive tumor, need to prepare accordingly for surgery.

Introduction Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is a rare cause of intractable epilepsy, which has excellent results in terms of seizure control after surgical resection. We present one such case, because of its rarity, to highlight the effect of tumor removal on seizure control, particularly DNET. Materials and Methods/Case Summary A 9-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset of partial seizures for the past 6 months. There were five episodes. In each episode, the patient engaged in irrelevant talk, followed by deviation of mouth to left and twitching movements. The episode lasted 5 minutes and there was no loss of consciousness. There was no aura or tongue bite, and in one of the episodes, the patient lost consciousness. There was no other significant positive history. On examination, the child was consciously alert, without focal neurological deficit or features of meningitis. There was no papilledema. The patient was on phenytoin sodium, phenobarbitone and clobazam. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain was done with and without contrast. MRI revealed a lesion approximately 4.1 × 3.6 × 3.2 cm in the right medial temporal lobe. It was hypointense to brain on T1 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Diffusion restriction was present and there was minimal contrast uptake. There was no evidence of mass effect or midline shift After discussing the risks and benefits with parents, the patient underwent preanesthetic checkup, and was taken up for craniotomy and excision of tumor. Gross total excision was done. The child was started orally on day 1 postoperatively and ambulated. There were no further seizure episodes. The patient was continued on phenytoin and clobazam, and phenobarbitone was tapered gradually. At 6 months, the child was seizure-free. Conclusions DNET are rare tumors occurring early in life and presenting with intractable seizures. Surgical resection offers a good and safe chance for long-term seizure control.

Ravenelia is the third largest rust genus of the order Pucciniales with more than 200 described species. It is an important rust genus that has undergone tremendous taxonomic changes. This genus produces teliospores united into a head on a compound pedicel composed of two to several hyphae with autoecious, macro-, demi- to hemi-, and, more rarely, microcyclic modes of their life cycle which provide it a unique identity and have proved helpful in the identification of the genus. The current understanding of the taxonomy, history, diversity and distribution of this genus is discussed in this paper. Both online and offline resources were searched to gather data of the published literature. The data thus obtained were analyzed for numerical and graphical summaries to provide the diversity and distribution of the genus. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS and nLSU DNA sequence data available in GenBank and the published literature was performed to examine the taxonomic placement of different species within the genus. The genus was reported to be distributed over 53 countries of the world. Around 51 plant genera belonging to four plant families, viz., Fabaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Asphodelaceae and Zygophyllaceae were found to be infected with these rust fungi. The phylogenetic analysis based on LSU and ITS sequence data revealed the polyphyletic nature of the genus. A table of 248 species of this genus is also provided with all information of host, distribution and cited reference that can be helpful for mycologists to find all information at one place. Future perspectives for the advancement of this genus are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]