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The main of the study is to comprehend how the mean variance efficient frontier method may be used in conjunction with Markowitz portfolio theory to produce an optimal portfolio. The study uses daily observations 8 pharma companies closing price namely Auropharma, Granules, Glaxo, Lauruslabs, Pfizer, Sanofi and Torntpharma. Further, Nifty pharma index is considered as benchmark index to check the performance of the chosen companies. The study chosen the reference period from 2020 to 2023 and required data has been extracted from the National Stock Exchange (NSE). This research is based on implementing a stochastic method for efficient portfolio optimisation employing a blended Monte Carlo and Markowitz model. In order to forecast the price of these indices in the future and to determine the likelihood of profit or loss while investing in a portfolio of stocks representing the aforementioned indices, the study also uses Monte Carlo simulation. The study involves two algorithms, namely the deterministic optimisation algorithm, which uses Markowitz Portfolio Theory, and the probabilistic optimisation algorithm, which uses Monte Carlo simulation. The study employed correlation matrix to find the exist relationship between the chosen companies and benchmark index. Also, expected return and volatility has been identified with the help of standard deviation using Python. The study found that the NIFTY Pharma index offers a higher return of 14.35. In addition to this, NIFTY Pharma portfolio’s volatility is considerably higher. The study concludes that the NIFTY pharma portfolio is more suitable for those investors who have an appetite for risk.

Fault detection in a complex circuit is a tedious process, and it requires specialised manpower to detect and localise the faults. Manual detection is quite time consuming and might be wrong some times. Identification of faults automatically by analysing the circuit using transforms and machine learning algorithm is presented in this research work. A hardware model and a software model are developed to generate the test and train samples, and they are used in simulation analysis to detect the faults. A simple adiabatic adder using metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor is used in the hardware module, and multiple techniques like adaptive median filtering, Hilbert transform, geometric algebraic scale-invariant feature transform and multiclass support vector machine are used in the simulation model to detect the faults in the circuit. All the stages of simulation analysis results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed model. Normal and faulty conditions are accurately detected by the proposed model with maximum detection accuracy, which reduces the human efforts in designing and developing a circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are infrastructure-less networks with thousands of sensor nodes that sense or monitor the physical and environmental changes and forward the collected data to a central node. Besides, WSN has become the most efficient technology for handling Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Still, challenges such as node failures, high traffic among the nodes, link failures, etc., limit the performance of WSNs. To solve the challenges in WSN, this paper aims to develop a novel non-uniform clustering model, where the Cluster Heads (CHs) are selected based on the candidate CH selection strategy that transfers the data. Moreover, unbalanced energy utilization and data redundancy are eliminated via multi-hop communication. For attaining the non-uniform clustering model, the routing among the data packets is done by the efficiency of the hybridization of the Machin Learning (ML) algorithms viz Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Lion Algorithm (LA) with the consideration of energy, cost, time, network lifetime, and data accuracy. Finally, the performance of the proposed model is verified and validated through a comparative study with the existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Separation of Minor Actinide (MA) from High-level Radioactive Liquid Waste (HLW), especially from Ln3+, is greatly needed in the nuclear fuel cycle to reduce the long-term radiotoxicity associated with the waste and for transmutation use. Devising a simple process and designing an extractant is challenging due to the chemical similarity of An3+ and Ln3+ in aqueous solutions. Hence, a tailor-made extractant was prepared, and the partitioning of MA (An3+: 241Am and 244Cm) from Ln3+ rich HLW has been demonstrated using indigenously developed Camphor-based Bis-Triazinyl-Pyridine (CA-BTP) impregnated XAD−7 (BTP Resin). The BTP resin exhibited good adsorption selectivity toward An3+ over Ln3+, acceptable adsorption kinetic, and adequate stability against HNO3 (<2.5 mol/L) and γ-irradiation. The % decontamination factor (DF) achieved was > 99.99 for 137Cs and 154Eu, and 99.7 for Nd. Separated 241Am was precipitated with a saturated solution of oxalic acid. The performance of BTP resin reveals that it has an excellent potential to separate 241Am from Ln3+-rich HLW solution in pure form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise heart rate (HR) estimation of individuals during physical exercise from PPG sensors using direct methods often produces erroneous output due to the occurrence of exceedingly high motion artifacts (MAs). The effect of MAs can be neutralized using non-direct algorithms such as optimization techniques using some a priori about MA. In this paper, we propose a dual-optimization technique using adaptive Fourier decomposition in conjunction with sparse spectral reconstruction (AFODSS) using a multiple measurement vectors (MMVs) model and a regularized bi-conjugate gradient focal underdetermined system solver (BCG-FOCUSS) algorithm. Using AFODSS, the average absolute error (AAE) of HR obtained on the dataset recorded from 23 subjects during their intense exercise is 1.35 beats/min. The BCG-FOCUSS algorithm used in this paper helps to speed up the convergence rate and reduce time complexity when compared with other FOCUSS algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of things (IoT) is the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to connect and exchange data. It is estimated that by 2020 IoT will consist of 30 billion devices with a global market value of $7.1 trillion. With large number of devices connected to the internet, security becomes a major factor to consider. Along with security micro-payments via the internet of things becomes a huge risk. Our target with this project is to rectify both problems with the use of Blockchain technology. We want to create a decentralized peer-to-peer network of IoT devices which share a common distributed database. This database is known as a blockchain. Blockchain ensures the ownership and integrity of the data solving the security problem faced by IoT. Also, cryptocurrency written over this blockchain would solve the micropayments problem of IoT. The cryptocurrency design methodology takes into account that most IoT devices would be embedded systems thereby optimizing cryptographic standards for embedded systems. With this project we aim to improve the security risks which relate from data sharing and to reduce data redundancy by above 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have modeled a memory system using Josephson Junction to attain low power consumption using low input voltage compared to conventional Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Static Random Access Memory (CMOS-SRAM). We attained the low power by connecting a shared/common bit line and using a 1-bit memory cell. Through our design we may attain 2.5–3.5 microwatts of power using lower input voltage of 0.6 millivolts. Comparative study has been made to find which memory system will attain low power consumption. Conventional SRAM techniques consume power in the range of milliwatts with the supply input in the range of 0-10 volts. Using HDL language, we made a memory logic design of RAM cells using Josephson Junction in FreeHDL software which is dedicated only for Josephson Junction based design. With use of XILINX, we have calculated the power consumption and equivalent Register Transfer Level (RTL) schematic is drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of metallo-organic complexes of copper, namely bis(N-R-salicylaldiminato)Cu(II) (R: methyl to n-pentyl, hereafter referred to as 1-5) were prepared and their volatile nature was confirmed by TG/DTA. The molecular masses (M) of 1-5 were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The vapour pressure (pe) for precursors 1-5 determined by a transpiration technique using the Clausius-Clapeyron relation yielded the values of 91 ± 2, 84 ± 4, 100 ± 2, 92 ± 2, and 72 ± 2 kJ mol-1 for ΔHovap, respectively, for 1-5. The thin films deposited by plasma-assisted MOCVD technique contain predominantly metallic copper in <111> orientation. The SEM images of the thin films exhibit continuous nanoball-like structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article presents a methodology to identify the critical component of a centrifugal pump and analyze its reliability. Failure analysis of major components of the pump was done, risk priority number was calculated and critical component was identified. The critical component was considered to be composed of two sections. Its reliability was analyzed by mathematical modeling of the first section. A finite element model of the component was developed and stress analysis was done using finite element method, in order to assess the reliability index of the second section. Total reliability of the component was calculated by multiplying the two reliability indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel mathematical model for the multiplier architecture based on multiplexers that aim for a Boolean optimized truncated product and power. The design of efficient truncated and low power multiplier is essential for VLSI implementation of Digital Signal and Image Processing techniques. Various traditional efficient array and parallel multipliers have been used and many of them boost the speed of the device at the cost of large VLSI area and high power dissipation. A new mathematical optimization modeling approach based on Boolean optimization for multiplexer based multiplier has been proposed in this paper by eliminating the redundant product term in stage-2 of multiplexer based architecture. The proposed optimized Multiplexer based Multiplier was implemented in HSPICE 1.0 environment in TSMC 180 nm, 90 nm and 45 nm library technology files. The results obtained are tabulated in the Simulation results section, and it is observed that the proposed Transistor Optimized Multiplexer based multiplier consumes approximately 35% reduction of dynamic power by avoiding unwanted dynamic switching transients that exist in the multiplier. It also reduces the area count in terms of number of transistors by 37% when compared to the existing multiplexer based multiplier, the conventional Braun Array Multiplier, and the conventional multiplexer based multiplier for 8 x 8 bit multiplication operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A performance analysis of FIR filter is analyzed by constructing a low power multiplier with 16 types of 1-bit full-adder cell is presented. The adder cell is anatomized into smaller modules. The adder and multiplier modules are studied and evaluated extensively. Sixteen different Novel 1-bit full-adder cells are constructed by connecting combinations of different designs of these modules. Several designs of multiplier with different combination of full adder are developed, prototyped, simulated and analyzed. Each of these cells exhibits different power consumption, speed, area, and driving capability figures. A library of full-adder cells is developed and presented to the circuit designers to pick the full-adder cell that satisfies their specific applications. Two realistic multiplier structures based on Braun-Array multiplier was constructed from the low power Full adder module and maximum power Full adder module from the Full adder library available in the discussion are used for simulation. Finally a low power FIR Filter was designed using the least power multiplier architecture and full adder module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the title compound, C19H22N2O2, shows two intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen-bonding inter­actions. The packing is stabilized through van der Waals contacts and two C—H⋯π inter­actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper in Journal of Health Psychology , Kielland et al. present a study with the first objective of documenting how helpful or unhelpful persons with ME perceive common services and interventions. The authors recruited participants by respondent driven sampling, a method that aims to produce estimates that correct for sampling bias. However, we argue that the main assumptions of the method are not met, and that the results of the study thus cannot be generalised to the intended target population., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: JS declares no conflicting interests. VBBW reports that he has for two decades conducted research in the field of CFS/ME, and that he is chair of the international Collaborative on Fatigue Following Infection (COFFI); VBBW’s research endeavours have been conducted within a biopsychosocial framework.

Importance: Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is emerging as a common and debilitating condition with few treatment options., Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a brief outpatient rehabilitation program based on a cognitive and behavioral approach for patients with PCC., Design, Setting, and Participants: Patients with mild to moderate PCC were randomized 1:1 to an established transdiagnostic rehabilitation program or care as usual at a single referral center recruiting from the region of the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority. Participants were followed up after treatment completion and 12 months after enrollment using participant-reported outcome measures. Data were collected from February 22, 2022, until April 15, 2024. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed., Intervention: The program consisted of 2 to 8 outpatient encounters with approximately 2 to 6 weeks between each encounter. The intervention was theoretically grounded in the cognitive activation theory of stress, and physicians and physiotherapists were trained in cognitive and behavioral approaches with targeted negative stimuli and response outcome expectancies being particularly important., Main Outcomes and Measures: Participant-reported physical function assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey 36 Physical Function Subscale (SF-36-PFS) served as the primary outcome. Secondary outcome measures were the remaining subscales of the SF-36, return to work self-efficacy and symptom scores on fatigue, postexertional malaise, breathlessness, cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, anxiety and depression symptoms, and smell and taste abnormalities. Safety measures included primary health care contacts; hospital admissions; initiation of pharmacologic and/or nonpharmacologic therapy; occurrence of novel disease, illness, or other health problems; worsening of selected key symptoms; working abilities; and thoughts of suicide., Results: A total of 473 patients with mild to moderate PCC were assessed for eligibility (n = 364 physician referred; n = 109 self-referred); 314 were included (225 females [72%]; mean [SD] age, 43 [12] years) and 231 completed the primary end point evaluation. The SF-36-PFS scores improved statistically and clinically significantly in the intervention group (score difference between groups, 9.2; 95% CI, 4.3-14.2; P < .001; Cohen d = 0.43; intention-to-treat analysis). The effect was sustained over time. Most secondary and safety measures favored the intervention., Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, a brief outpatient rehabilitation program with a cognitive and behavioral approach in patients with PCC was effective and safe. This trial adds to the evidence supporting such interventions in routine clinical care. Future research should investigate which elements of this approach are the most effective and identify subgroups for which the current treatment is most relevant., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05196451.

Objective: Perioperative Large Vessel Occlusions (LVOs) occurring during and following surgery are of immense clinical importance. As such, we aim to present risk factors and test if the Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) mortality and stroke risk scores can be used to assess operative risk., Methods: Using data containing 7 index cardiac operations at a single tertiary referral center from 2010 to 2022, logistic and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify factors that correlate to higher operative LVO and stroke rate. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were also obtained to test if the STS-Predicted Risk of Mortality (PROM) and -Predicted Risk of Stroke (PROS) scores were positively correlated to operative LVO and stroke rate., Results: Multivariate modeling showed primary risk factors for an operative LVO were diabetes (OR: 1.727 [95 % CI: 1.060-2.815]), intracranial or extracranial carotid stenosis (OR: 3.661 [95 % CI: 2.126-6.305]), and heart failure as defined by NYHA class (Class 4, OR: 3.951 [95 % CI: 2.092-7.461]; compared to Class 1). As the STS-PROM increased, the relative rate of LVO occurrence increased (very high risk, OR: 6.576 [95 % CI: 2.92-14.812], high risk, OR: 2.667 [1.125-6.322], medium risk, OR: 2.858 [1.594-5.125]; all compared to low risk). STS-PROS quartiles showed a similar relation with LVO risk (quartile 4, OR: 7.768 [95 % CI: 2.740-22.027], quartile 3, OR: 5.249 [1.800-15.306], quartile 2, OR:2.980 [0.960-9.248]; all compared to quartile 1)., Conclusions: Patients with diabetes, carotid disease and heart failure are at high risk for operative LVO. Both STS-PROM and -PROS can be useful metrics for preoperative measuring of LVO risks., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest IBS reports research and grant support from Abbott, Artivion, Atricure, Medtronic, Edwards Lifesciences and Terumo Aortic. RGN reports consulting fees for advisory roles with Anaconda, Biogen, Cerenovus, Genentech, Philips, Hybernia, Imperative Care, Medtronic, Phenox, Philips, Prolong Pharmaceuticals, Stryker Neurovascular, Shanghai Wallaby, Synchron, and stock options for advisory roles with Astrocyte, Brainomix, Cerebrotech, Ceretrieve, Corindus Vascular Robotics, Vesalio, Viz-AI, RapidPulse and Perfuze. RGN is one of the Principal Investigators of the “Endovascular Therapy for Low NIHSS Ischemic Strokes (ENDOLOW)” trial. RGN is the Principal Investigator of the “Combined Thrombectomy for Distal MediUm Vessel Occlusion StroKe (DUSK)” trial. RGN is an investor in Viz-AI, Perfuze, Cerebrotech, Reist/Q'Apel Medical, Truvic, Vastrax, and Viseon., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Adolescents most often experience mild acute COVID-19, but may still face fatigue and persistent symptoms such as post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) and post-infective fatigue syndrome (PIFS). We explored the fecal microbiota of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative non-hospitalized adolescents and young adults (12-25 years of age) in the "Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 in Adolescents" (LoTECA) project, a longitudinal observational cohort study. With a targeted qPCR approach, the quantities of 100 fecal bacterial taxa were measured at baseline (early convalescent stage) in 145 SARS-CoV-2-positive and 32 SARS-CoV-2 negative participants and after six months in 107 of the SARS-CoV-2-positive and 19 of the SARS-CoV-2 negative participants. Results: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii M21.2 and Gemmiger formicilis (both p < 0.001) were enriched in the SARS-CoV-2-positive participants compared to negative controls at baseline. In SARS-CoV-2-positive participants, lower baseline abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii M21/2 ( p = 0.013) and higher abundance of Clostridium spiroforme ( p = 0.006), Sutterella wadsworthensis ( p < 0.001), and Streptococcus thermophilus ( p = 0.039) were associated with six-month fatigue. Sutterella wadsworthensis and Streptococcus thermophilus enrichment was additionally associated with PCC in the SARS-CoV-2-positive group ( p < 0.001 and 0.042 respectively). Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults with mild acute COVID-19 infection had increased fecal abundance of the beneficial Faecalibacterium prausnitzii M21/2 and Gemmiger formicilis compared to SARS-CoV-2 negative controls in the early convalescent stage. Additionally, the abundance of both known ( Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Streptococcus thermophilus ) and new ( Clostridium spiroforme, Sutterella wadsworthensis ) bacteria were associated with persistent symptoms such as fatigue in the COVID-19 infected group, warranting further exploration of the role of these bacteria in COVID-19 disease and PCC pathophysiology.

Background: Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a complication of SARS-COV-2 infection and can lead to long-term disability., Methods: The present study was designed to analyse the gene expression patterns of PCC through bulk RNA sequencing of whole blood and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of PCC. Whole blood was collected from 80 participants enrolled in a prospective cohort study following SARS-CoV-2 infected and non-infected individuals for 6 months after recruitment and was used for bulk RNA sequencing. Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEG), pathway enrichment and immune cell deconvolution was performed to explore potential biological pathways involved in PCC., Results: We have found 13 differentially expressed genes associated with PCC. Enriched pathways were related to interferon-signalling and anti-viral immune processes., Conclusion: The PCC transcriptome is characterized by a modest overexpression of interferon-stimulated genes, pointing to a subtle ongoing inflammatory response., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is characterized by debilitating persistent symptoms, including symptoms suggesting neurological aberrations such as concentration difficulties, impaired memory, pain, and sleep disturbances. The underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate brain injury biomarkers, neurocognitive test performance, and self-reported neurological and neuropsychological symptoms in young people with PCC., Methods: A total of 404 non-hospitalized adolescents and young adults aged 12-25 years who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, along with 105 matched SARS-CoV-2 negative individuals, were prospectively enrolled and followed-up for 6 months (Clinical Trials ID: NCT04686734). All participants underwent comprehensive assessment encompassing clinical examinations, questionnaires, neurocognitive testing and blood sampling. Serum samples were immunoassayed for the brain injury biomarkers neurofilament light chain (Nfl) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAp). At 6 months, cross-sectional analyses of serum Nfl/GFAp, neurocognitive test results and symptom scores were performed across groups based on adherence to PCC criteria as well as initial SARS-CoV-2 test results. Also, associations between Nfl/GFAp, neurocognitive test results, and symptom scores were explored., Results: A total of 381 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 85 SARS-CoV-2 negative were included in the final analysis at 6 months, of whom 48% and 47%, respectively, adhered to the PCC criteria. Serum levels of Nfl and GFAp were almost equal across groups and did not differ from reference values in healthy populations. Also, neurocognitive test results were not different across groups, whereas symptom scores were significantly higher in patients fulfilling PCC criteria (independent of initial SARS-CoV-2 status). No significant associations between Nfl/GFAp, neurocognitive test results, and symptom scores were found., Conclusion: Normal brain injury biomarkers and neurocognitive performance 6 months after mild COVID-19 implies that the persistent symptoms associated with PCC are not concurrent with ongoing central nervous system damage or permanent disruption of cognitive functions. This finding contradicts the notion of neuroinflammation as a likely explanation for the persistent symptoms., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Havdal, Selvakumar, Lund Berven, Stiansen-Sonerud, Zetterberg, Blennow, Holmøy and Wyller.)

The mol-ecular structure of the solvated title salt, (C 21 H 25 N 2 ) 2 [Fe 2 (C 14 H 10 S 2 ) 4 ]·2C 3 H 7 NO reveals that the anion is situated on a crystallographic inversion center in the triclinic space group P . The title compound crystallizes utilizing a network of weak π-stacking inter-actions of phenyl rings pertaining to the di-thiol-ene unit. Moreover, the acidic imidazolium H atoms [N-C( H )-N] display non-classical hydrogen-bonding inter-actions of the C-H⋯O type to the oxygen atoms of the N , N -dimethyl formamide solvent, and hydrogen atoms on the backbone of imidazolium rings display weak C-H⋯S inter-actions with the di-thiol-ene sulfur atoms., (© Selvakumar and Arumugam 2024.)

Ras proteins are membrane-bound GTPases that regulate essential cellular processes at the plasma membrane (PM). Constitutively active mutations of K-Ras, one of the three Ras isoforms in mammalian cells, are frequently found in human cancers. Ferrocene derivatives, which elevate cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), have shown to block the growth of non-small cell lung cancers harboring oncogenic mutant K-Ras. Here, we tested a novel ferrocene derivative on the growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Our compound, which elevated cellular ROS levels, inhibited the growth of K-Ras-driven cancers, and abrogated the PM binding and signaling of K-Ras in an isoform-specific manner. These effects were reversed upon antioxidant supplementation, suggesting a ROS-mediated mechanism. We further identified that K-Ras His95 residue plays an important role in this process, and it is putatively oxidized by cellular ROS. Together, our study demonstrates that the redox system directly regulates K-Ras/PM binding and signaling via oxidative modification at the His95, and proposes a role of oncogenic mutant K-Ras in the recently described antioxidant-induced growth and metastasis of K-Ras-driven cancers., (© 2023 Rehl et al.)

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of a virtual hackathon in fostering interdisciplinary working amongst undergraduate students in global surgery., Methodology: In this study, we developed a 3 day event consisting of guest lectures, a documentary screening and a hackathon supported by academics and experts in the field, to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about and work in interdisciplinary teams within global surgery. Students had the option to attend just the lectures or both the lectures and hackathon. Quantitative and qualitative results were collected through a pre and post session survey., Results: A total of 21 responses were received for the hackathon and 26 responses for the general event (response rate for event = 26 %, response rate for hackathon = 24.7 %). There was a significant improvement in understanding of interdisciplinary working in global surgery between the pre and post-session survey, with an increase in median from 3 (IQR = 2-3.5, n = 21) to 4 (IQR = 4-5, n = 21) (p < 0.05). Respondents noted that the benefits of a hackathon were that it was very engaging, and brought in diversity of thought and expertise. The drawbacks to the hackathon were that it was fast-paced, required prior knowledge and the virtual platform it was hosted on., Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that hackathons are an effective, inclusive and equitable way for students to engage in and learn about interdisciplinary working. It is important that as institutions recognise and develop global surgery courses, these courses reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the field., Competing Interests: The authors have no competing interests., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effects of supplementing chicken feed with Moringa oleifera leaf powder, a phytobiotic, on the gastrointestinal microbiota. The objective was to examine the microbial changes induced by the supplementation., Methods: A total of 40, one-day-old chickens were fed their basal diet for 42 days and then divided into two groups: SG1 (basal diet) and SG2 (basal diet + 10 g/kg Moringa oleifera leaf powder). Metagenomics analysis was conducted to analyze operational taxonomic units (OTUs), species annotation, and biodiversity. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed for molecular characterization of isolated gut bacteria, identified as Enterococcus faecium . The isolated bacteria were tested for essential metabolites, demonstrating antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities., Results and Discussion: The analysis revealed variations in the microbial composition between the control group (SG1) and the M. oleifera -treated group (SG2). SG2 showed a 47% increase in Bacteroides and a 30% decrease in Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes compared to SG1. TM7 bacteria were observed exclusively in the M. oleifera -treated group. These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera leaf powder acts as a modulator that enhances chicken gut microbiota, promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria. PICRUSt analysis supported these findings, showing increased carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the M.oleifera -treated gut microbiota., Conclusion: This study indicates that supplementing chicken feed with Moringa oleifera leaf powder as a phytobiotic enhances the gut microbiota in chicken models, potentially improving overall health. The observed changes in bacterial composition, increased presence of Bacteroides, and exclusive presence of TM7 bacteria suggest a positive modulation of microbial balance. The essential metabolites from isolated Enterococcus faecium bacteria further support the potential benefits of Moringa oleifera supplementation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Soundararajan, Selvakumar, Maria Joseph, Gopinath, Saravanan and Santhanam.)

Background:  Approximately 75% of people with pancreatic cancer experience pain, and >50% of them have cachexia (weakness and wasting of the body). However, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the management of these distressing symptoms., Objective:  Our primary objectives are to compare the relative benefits and harms of different interventions for pain in people with unresectable pancreatic cancer and for prevention and treatment of cachexia due to pancreatic cancer, through systematic reviews and network meta-analysis. Our secondary objectives are to develop an evidence-based clinical care pathway to manage pain and prevent and treat cachexia in people with pancreatic cancer through surveys and focus groups involving patients, carers, and health care professionals., Methods:  We will perform 2 systematic reviews of the literature related to pain and cachexia in people with pancreatic cancer using searches from Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index, and trial registries. Two researchers will independently screen for eligibility and identify randomized controlled trials (no language or publication status restriction), comparing interventions for pain or cachexia based on full-texts for articles shortlisted during screening. We will assess risk of bias in the trials using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (version 2.0) and obtain data related to baseline prognostic characteristics, potential effect modifiers and outcome data related to overall survival, health-related quality of life, treatment-related complications, and resource utilisation. We aim to conduct network meta-analysis on outcomes with multiple treatment comparisons where possible, otherwise, meta-analysis with direct comparisons, or narrative synthesis. We will perform various subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Using information obtained from both systematic reviews, we will conduct 2 surveys: one directed to patients or carers to assess acceptability of interventions, and the other to health care professionals to assess feasibility of delivery in the National Health Service. Four mixed focus groups will be conducted to evaluate findings and foster consensus in the development of the care pathway., Results:  Funding was awarded from April 2022 (NIHR202727). Both systematic review protocols were prospectively registered on PROSPERO in May 2022. Formal searches began thereafter. Approval by the University College London Research Ethics Committee (23563/001) was received in December 2022. Data collection began in January 2023; data analysis will begin in May 2023 (completion expected by October 2023)., Conclusions:  This study will comprehensively encompass major interventions for management of pain in people with unresectable pancreatic cancer, and prevention and treatment of cachexia in people with pancreatic cancer. Key stakeholders will facilitate the development of an evidence-based care pathway, ensuring both acceptability and feasibility. The project ends in April 2024 and published results are expected within 12 months of completion. We aim to present the findings through patient group websites, conferences, and publications, irrespective of the findings, in a peer-reviewed journal., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/46335., (©Danielle Amanda Roberts, Eila Watson, Christopher Macdonald, Yarunnessa Khan, Sarah Prideaux, Alwin Puthiyakunnel Saji, Emilia Postaleniec, Jashan Selvakumar, Mahta Haghighat Ghahfarokhi, Brian Davidson, Kurinchi Gurusamy. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 04.04.2023.)

Aims: To evaluate a customised enriched formulation of coconut (CEC) oil with Arimedadi Tailam (AT) and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse (CHX) for their plaque control and potential anticaries effects using the oratest in healthy volunteers., Settings and Design: Parallel, double-blinded (outcome assessor and statistician), randomised controlled institution-based pilot study., Methods and Materials: 60 adults (18-22 years) having DMFT score of 2-11, gingival and plaque index as zero, no history of antibiotics for one month or fluoride application in 2 weeks were randomly divided (computer-generated list) and allocated into 3 groups (A-CHX, B-CEC, C-AT) of 20 subjects each based on the intervention. Oratest at baseline, days 15 and 30 were recorded., Statistical Analysis Used: Due to 5 dropouts on day 30, data were analysed based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) approach. The difference in oratest scores (baseline vs. day 15 and 30) were found to be normally distributed (Shapiro-Wilk test and Levene's test). One way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used to determine the statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between groups., Results: Plaque and gingival index was zero throughout the study period. Difference in oratest scores was highest with CEC oil, followed by CHX and AT though there was no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline vs day 15 (P = 0.203) and baseline vs day 30 (P = 0.085) and between oils from baseline vs day 30 (P = 0.068)., Conclusions: Within the limitations of the pilot study, both oils are comparable to CHX for their antiplaque and anticaries potential. Clinically, CEC was better than AT though statistical difference was not there., Competing Interests: None

Ras proteins are membrane-bound GTPases that regulate essential cellular processes at the plasma membrane (PM). Constitutively active mutations of K-Ras, one of the three Ras isoforms in mammalian cells, are frequently found in human cancers. Ferrocene derivatives, which elevate cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), have shown to block the growth of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring oncogenic mutant K-Ras. Here, we developed and tested a novel ferrocene derivative on the growth of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and NSCLC. Our compound inhibited the growth of K-Ras-dependent PDAC and NSCLC and abrogated the PM binding and signaling of K-Ras, but not other Ras isoforms. These effects were reversed upon antioxidant supplementation, suggesting a ROS-mediated mechanism. We further identified K-Ras His95 residue in the G-domain as being involved in the ferrocene-induced K-Ras PM dissociation via oxidative modification. Together, our studies demonstrate that the redox system directly regulates K-Ras PM binding and signaling via oxidative modification at the His95, and proposes a role of oncogenic mutant K-Ras in the recently described antioxidant-induced metastasis in K-Ras-driven lung cancers.