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The glymphatic system is a system of specialized perivascular spaces in the brain that facilitates removal of toxic waste solutes from the brain. Evaluation of glymphatic system function by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has thus far been largely focused on rodents because of the limitations of intrathecal delivery of gadolinium‐based contrast agents to humans. This review discusses MRI methods that can be employed clinically for glymphatic‐related measurements intended for early diagnosis, prevention, and the treatment of various neurological conditions. Although glymphatic system‐based MRI research is in its early stages, recent studies have identified promising noninvasive MRI markers associated with glymphatic system alterations in neurological diseases. However, further optimization in data acquisition, validation, and modeling are needed to investigate the glymphatic system within the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw lignin was extracted via alkaline hydrolysis and structurally characterized using FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra. Ethyl acetate extract of acid solubilized lignin was found to contain p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid as major phenolic acids which were isolated and characterized using spectral data. Amides of isolated phenolic acids were synthesized by their reaction with propyl and butyl amines using microwave irradiation and analysed using spectral studies. Phenolic acids and amides were evaluated for their effect on pollen germination and tube growth in pumpkin. Pollen tube length was significantly increased with N-butyl-3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) acrylamide and N-butyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acrylamide at 5 ppm concentration than the control. These results could be utilised in increasing pollen tube length of Cucurbita pepo while making interspecific cross between C. moschata and C. pepo in order to transfer hull-less character of C. pepo to virus resistant C. moschata genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep quality is a critical factor in human health and well-being, with implications for various physiological and psychological processes. Traditional methods of sleep data collection are often limited by the quality and reliability of the data due to issues such as recall bias and subjective interpretation. This research aims to propose a novel framework that objectively measures and evaluates sleep quality using smart thermostats equipped with motion sensors, providing noninvasive and effortless sleep monitoring. The study conducts a comprehensive analysis of sleep patterns, exploring the relationship between activity sensors and sleep quality. By analyzing behavioral characteristics, the study identifies periods or clusters of days that require attention in terms of health and stress levels. The approach ensures privacy, ease of access, and integrates environmental factors, enabling a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s sleep health. The findings suggest that this zero-effort technology can significantly enhance sleep monitoring at both individual and population levels, with implications for health monitoring, stress management, and personalized healthcare interventions. Future work will focus on expanding the data set, incorporating more variables, and integrating contextual data to further improve sleep quality analysis and support real-time health interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Canada, extreme heat occurrences present significant risks to public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like older individuals and those with preexisting health conditions. Accurately predicting indoor temperatures during these events is crucial for informing public health strategies and mitigating the adverse impacts of extreme heat. While current systems rely on outdoor temperature data, incorporating real-time indoor temperature estimations can significantly enhance decision-making and strengthen overall health system responses. Sensor-based technologies, such as ecobee smart thermostats installed in homes, enable effortless collection of indoor temperature and humidity data. This study evaluates the efficacy of deep learning models in predicting indoor temperatures during heat waves using smart thermostat data, to enhance public health responses. Utilizing ecobee smart thermostats, we analyzed indoor temperature trends and developed forecasting models. Our findings indicate the potential of integrating IoT and deep learning into health warning systems, enabling proactive interventions, and improving sustainable health care practices in extreme heat scenarios. This approach highlights the role of digital health innovations in creating the resilient and sustainable healthcare systems against climate-related health adversities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Most of the Veterans Administration (VA) population is either overweight or obese, which is a serious health concern. Medical weight management visits have traditionally occurred through in-person clinics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced care delivery to virtual platforms. Methods:We compared weight loss with in-person versus telephone-based medical weight management (lifestyle counseling coupled with pharmacotherapy) delivered by physician and nurse practitioner visits during the pandemic. We designed a program evaluation utilizing a naturalistic (pragmatic) observational study structure, including both newly enrolled and previously established participants in the Minneapolis VA MOVE! program between 2017 and 2021. A "transition" cohort (n = 74) received in-person care from March 2019 to March 2020, and then transitioned to virtual care. A "new start" virtual care cohort (n = 149) enrolled after March 2020 was compared to a separate historical group (n = 180) that received in-person care between January 2017 and December 2019. Weight loss was accessed over a 9-month period in both cohorts. Results:Mean weight loss over 9 months was −6.5 ± 18.2 and −2.5 ± 13.3 lbs in the in-person and virtual phases of the transition cohort, respectively, without significant difference between the two phases (p = 0.22). Mean weight loss over 9 months in the new start (virtual) cohort was −14.4 ± 17.0 lbs compared to −16.7 ± 21.0 lbs in the historical cohort, without significant difference between groups (p = 0.44). Conclusions:In our naturalistic study in a single-site VA clinic setting, weight loss with telephone-based medical weight management during the pandemic was comparable to in-person care. These findings are important for veterans living in rural and/or underserved areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1984, Sikhs were massacred following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Cultural expressions attempt to foreground the haunting legacies of this genocide. This paper explores Harpreet Kaur's documentary, The Widow Colony- India's Unsettled Settlement which unfolds as trauma testimony of the understudied conflict, contextualizing the spectral wounds of Sikh widows and their struggle for survival. Using hauntology and postmemory as critical lens, this article examines the spectral wounds of 1984 Sikh genocide. It also focuses on the gendered dimensions of violence against Sikh women by enunciating their doubly victimized sensibility through their experiences of shame, trauma and suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a case study of a six-month-old male Pug with pyodemodicosis, a parasitic skin disease, complicated by ulcerative keratitis. The dog was successfully treated with fluralaner, cephalexin, and topical antimicrobial shampoo, as well as ophthalmic treatments. After eight weeks of treatment, there was a reduction in mite count and complete clinical recovery. The article provides a detailed account of the case history, observations, and treatment protocol, highlighting the effectiveness of fluralaner and autologous serum in managing pyodemodicosis and ulcerative keratitis in dogs. [Extracted from the article]

The glymphatic system has recently been shown to be important in neurological diseases, including diabetes. However, little is known about how the progressive onset of diabetes affects the glymphatic system. The aim of this study is to investigate the glymphatic system response to the progressive onset of diabetes in a rat model of type 2 diabetic mellitus. Male Wistar rats (n = 45) with and without diabetes were evaluated using MRI glymphatic tracer kinetics, functional tests, and brain tissue immunohistochemistry. Our data demonstrated that the contrast agent clearance impairment gradually progressed with the diabetic duration. The MRI data showed that an impairment in contrast clearance occurred prior to the cognitive deficits detected using functional tests and permitted the detection of an early DM stage compared to the immuno-histopathology and cognitive tests. Additionally, the quantitative MRI markers of brain waste clearance demonstrated region-dependent sensitivity in glymphatic impairment. The improved sensitivity of MRI markers in the olfactory bulb and the whole brain at an early DM stage may be attributed to the important role of the olfactory bulb in the parenchymal efflux pathway. MRI can provide sensitive quantitative markers of glymphatic impairment during the progression of DM and can be used as a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of DM with a potential for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaural fistula, also known as cervico-aural fistula, is a rare anomaly that accounts for less than 8% of all branchial cleft anomalies. These fistulas result from incomplete closure of the first branchial cleft during embryonic development. A 21-yearold female exhibited depression on the left-side of her face since childhood, accompanied by a fistula. She had a history of intermittent discharge and a tuft of hair emerging from it. Additionally, the patient reported left ear discharge and an opening in the floor of the External Auditory Canal (EAC). Diagnostic imaging, including X-ray fistulogram, ultrasound, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) neck fistulogram, played a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis of a collaural fistula. Surgical intervention involved excision of the fistulous tract and reconstruction of the EAC floor. The patient received antibiotic therapy, resulting in successful postoperative outcomes. The present case highlights the importance of recognising and appropriately managing collaural fistulas. When these fistulas are discovered early, along with a solid grasp of regional embryology and anatomy, there is a chance for better treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study focuses on biotinylated nanocarriers designed to encapsulate amphiphilic molecules with self-biodegradable properties for enhanced drug delivery. Methods: Biotin-zein conjugated nanoparticles were synthesized and tested in C6 cell lines to evaluate their viability and cellular uptake. Optimization was achieved using a a central composite design. The nanoparticles underwent thermogravimetric analysis, and their pharmacokinetics and biodistribution were also studied. Results: The optimized nanoparticles displayed 96.31% drug encapsulation efficiency, a particle size of 95.29 nm and a zeta potential of -17.7 mV. These nanoparticles showed increased cytotoxicity and improved cellular uptake compared with free drugs. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the drug-loaded nanocarriers provided better protection against drug degradation. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies indicated that the formulation had an extended brain residence time, highlighting its effectiveness. Conclusion: The biotin-zein conjugated nanoparticles developed in this study offer a promising nano-vehicle for in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic applications. Their high drug encapsulation efficiency, stability and extended brain residence time suggest they are effective for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic uses.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health issue, predominantly affecting the lungs but also capable of involving the otorhinolaryngologic (ear, nose, and throat) regions. This comprehensive review explores the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, management strategies, and public health implications of otorhinolaryngologic TB. The disease's diverse clinical manifestations, such as chronic ear discharge, nasal obstruction, and hoarseness, often mimic other common conditions, complicating diagnosis and delaying treatment. Diagnostic confirmation requires a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques, each with inherent limitations. Effective management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, integrating medical and surgical interventions tailored to individual patient needs. Potential complications, including airway obstruction and hearing loss, highlight the importance of timely and appropriate treatment. The review underscores the critical role of public health measures in TB control. It also identifies emerging trends in diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the global effort to control and eventually eradicate TB. This review aims to give healthcare providers a deeper understanding of otorhinolaryngologic TB, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and improving patient care., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Kaur et al.)

Pleural metastatic melanoma is rare, and associated malignant pleural effusions are even rarer. We present a case of pleural metastatic melanoma with recurrent malignant pleural effusions. The initial diagnosis showed no metastatic disease, and the patient underwent resection and received a year of immunotherapy for localized disease. However, two years later, the patient presented with pleural metastatic melanoma with unresolving malignant pleural effusions requiring an indwelling pleural catheter and eventually, thoracotomy with decortication. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for pleural metastatic melanoma in the setting of recurrent pleural effusions, even though it is a rare occurrence., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Prasad et al.)