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Rationale: Mustard gas primarily affects the eyes, skin, and particularly the respiratory tract. Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and air trapping are often observed in high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) scans of the chest of mustard gas-exposed patients. Objectives: To examine the frequency and severity of TBM in a group of Iranian wartime mustard gas-exposed victims, and to investigate the correlation between TBM and air trapping in these cases. Materials and Methods: Chest HRCT films obtained from 300 randomly selected subjects who had been exposed to mustard gas 15.5 yr previously were reviewed to determine the existence of TBM and air trapping. The HRCT films of a healthy control group were also analyzed for comparison. Results: Out of 300 reviewed cases, 13 had TBM. From these 13 TBM cases, 11 (85%) showed air trapping with mean score of 5.5. In the control group, 5 (25%) of 20 subjects showed air trapping, with mean score of 0.6. The total air trapping was significantly higher in the TBM group (p < 0.001). There was an association between the severity of tracheomalacia and air trapping in the TBM group (p = 0.01, r = 0.69), but no association was observed between severity of bronchomalacia and air trapping. Conclusion: The results show that air trapping and TBM are correlated, both as long-term sequelae in mustard gas-exposed cases. Because air trapping is highly suggestive of bronchiolitis obliterans, we conclude that both bronchiolitis obliterans and TBM are caused by a single underlying process affecting small and large airways, respectively, in this group of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic indices significantly impact cardiovascular health. Research on the influence of metabolic indices on resting pulse rate in younger adults is needed. Utilizing the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) Wave 5 Public-use biological data, we performed a multiple linear regression analysis to determine the predictive factors of resting pulse rate in adults aged 32-42 years. We controlled for sex, anthropometrics, lipid indices, diabetic status, blood pressure, and antihypertensive use. The total number of participants was 1839 (weighted n=1,390,763), the mean age was 38.1 [standard deviation (SD)=2.0] and the mean pulse rate was 75.2 (SD=11.6). Notably, body mass index did not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with resting pulse rate. Conversely, females presented a statistically significant higher pulse rate than males when adjusted for other variables [p<0.001; coefficient = 4.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.54-6.13], as did individuals with increased waist circumference (p=0.023; coefficient = 2.62; 95% CI: 0.39- 4.85). The data indicated a progressive rise in pulse rate correlating with elevated low-density lipoprotein and hemoglobin A1C levels, particularly among those with severe hypercholesterolemia (p=0.048, coefficient = 6.42; 95% CI: 0.12-12.71) and diabetes (p<0.001, coefficient = 7.11; 95% CI: 3.3-10.92). A significant increase was also observed in individuals with hypertension stage 1 and 2 [p<0.001 for both; coefficients = 2.98 (95% CI: 1.45-4.52) and 7.2 (95% CI: 5.28-9.12), respectively]. These findings underscore the necessity of considering metabolic indices in understanding the pathophysiology of elevated pulse rates in adults, thereby enhancing comprehension of cardiovascular tachyarrhythmias in younger adults.

Several epidemiological studies have appreciated the impact of "duration" and "level" of hyperglycemia on the initiation and development of chronic complications of diabetes. However, glycemic profiles could not fully explain the presence/absence and severity of diabetic complications. Genetic issues and concepts of "hyperglycemic memory" have been introduced as additional influential factors involved in the pathobiology of late complications of diabetes. In the extended phase of significant diabetes randomized, controlled clinical trials, including DCCT/EDIC and UKPDS, studies have concluded that the quality of glycemic or metabolic control at the early time around the diabetes onset could maintain its protective or detrimental impact throughout the following diabetes course. There is no reliable indication of the mechanism by which the transient exposure to a given glucose concentration level could evoke a consistent cellular response at target tissues at the molecular levels. Some biological phenomena, such as the production and the concentration of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathway activations, epigenetic changes, and finally, the miRNAs-mediated pathways, may be accountable for the development of hyperglycemic memory. This work summarizes evidence from previous experiments that may substantiate the hyperglycemic memory soundness by its justification in molecular terms., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Protein phosphatases (PPs) are a class of enzymes that play a critical role in cellular regulation by catalyzing the removal of phosphate groups from proteins. This dephosphorylation process is essential for controlling and modulating various cellular functions, including signal transduction, cell cycle progression, metabolic regulation, and stress responses. This study focuses on the comprehensive genomic identification, evolutionary analysis, and transcript profiling of the PP2C gene family within Solanum lycopersicum, an economically significant crop with substantial agricultural and nutritional importance. A total of 95 PP2C members have been identified in tomato, which was divided into 12 subgroups. An evolutionary comparison of the tomato PP2C members with other plant species demonstrated that they shared a common ancestor. A total of 14 SlPP2Cs have arisen from segmental duplication events, while no tandem duplication was detected. Certain SlPP2C genes exhibited unique expression patterns in specific tissues, with only a limited number of SlPP2C genes being expressed in all tissues, while almost all SlPP2Cs are upregulated during the flowering stage. Gene expression analysis revealed elevated transcript levels of SlPP2C22, SlPP2C30, and SlPP2C52 during drought stress. An increase in total PP2C enzyme activity was also observed which indicates their significance in drought stress. These findings add to the comprehension of the evolutionary history and significance of tomato PP2C in managing abiotic stress and pave the way for additional verification of the functional aspect of these PP2C genes in tomato., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Right ventricular outflow tract stenting has emerged as a key palliative intervention for infants with tetralogy of Fallot who are not suitable candidates for complete repair. Although the Blalock-Taussig shunt remains the standard palliative approach for tetralogy of Fallot patients over one year of age, the potential of right ventricular outflow tract stenting in this older age group has not been widely explored. In this study, we present our experience with right ventricular outflow tract stenting in children beyond one year of age., Methods and Results: In this study, a total of 52 patients of tetralogy of Fallot who underwent palliative stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract from 2018 to 2022 were enrolled. Out of the 52 patients, 38 children were more than 1 year of age with a mean age of 4.82 ± 3.5 (1.5-13 years) and mean weight of 13.10 ± 7.0 (5.6-34) kgs. Most common indication was presence of unfavourable anatomy in 27 (71%) followed by presence of refractory spells in 14 (36.8%) patients. Stent embolisation was seen in one patient, while two patients developed features of pulmonary oedema and needed prolonged ventilatory support. There was no mortality seen in this study group., Conclusion: Our study has shown that right ventricular outflow tract stenting in children even beyond one year of age is technically feasible, with good immediate outcomes, especially in those who present with any complication, thus reducing the perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most commonly used food additives, known for its adverse health effects. Alogliptin (ALO) is a highly selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, but its role in male reproductive function remains debated. The study was designed to evaluate and compare the potential of ALO in mitigating MSG-induced testicular toxicity in juvenile and adult male rats. Juvenile and adult male rats were treated with either MSG or pretreated with ALO before MSG administration. Subsequently, rats concurrently received ALO plus MSG concurrently for 28 days. Testicular tissues were isolated and subjected to histo-biochemical and molecular assessments. Our results demonstrated that ALO reversed MSG-induced testicular injury, as evidenced by the restoration of reproductive hormone balance (increased serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone concentrations), suppression of oxidative stress injury (decreased testicular malondialdehyde, increased superoxide dismutase activity, and minimal 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine immunoreactivity), inflammation (reduced testicular tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels), and fibrosis (decreased testicular collagen fiber deposition). Additionally, ALO impeded apoptosis and activated autophagy by decreasing caspase-3 activity, stimulating the AMPK/mTOR pathway, downregulating Bax and SQSTM-1/p62 expression, upregulating Bcl2 and Beclin 1, promoting testicular proliferation (increased number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the testis), restoring glycogen content in the testis (mild to moderate periodic acid-Schiff reaction), and preserving testicular architecture. MSG induced more severe adverse testicular effects in juvenile rats, while ALO pretreatment was more protective in adult rats. ALO's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, pro-autophagic, antifibrotic, and proliferative actions in the testis suggest its promising potential for combating male reproductive dysfunction., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Muscle and tendon injuries are prevalent occurrences during sports activities. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known for its rich content of factors essential for wound healing, inflammation reduction, and tissue repair. Despite its recognized benefits, limited information is available regarding PRP's effectiveness in addressing combined surgical injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle and Achilles tendon. The effects of PRP on muscle and tendon injury in rats were assessed through a set of biochemical markers, histopathological examinations, and immunohistochemistry analyses of muscular myogenin, desmin, and tendinous type I collagen. Additionally, mRNA expression levels of Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 Associated-X-protein (BAX), Insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) genes were evaluated. Induction of muscle and tendon injuries was associated with elevated levels of serum biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH), and Creatine Kinase MB (CK-MB), delayed collagen fiber remodeling, and structural abnormalities in myofibrils. Furthermore, there was overexpression of MMP9, Bax, and HMGB1 genes, along with decreased expression of the IGF gene in this group. Treatment with PRP resulted in significant improvement of these reported findings, including enhanced collagen fiber remodeling, elevated levels of desmin and myogenin in muscle tissues, and increased expression of collagen type I in tendons. Additionally, PRP treatment led to reduced expression levels of MMP9, Bax, and HMGB1 genes, while the expression of the IGF gene increased. Overall, PRP treatment demonstrated substantial enhancement of the healing process in both muscle and tendon tissues in a surgical model of gastrocnemius skeletal muscle and Achilles tendon-induced injury. These findings suggest that PRP therapy may offer advantages in the treatment of physical-related injuries., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The rising prevalence of ASD has prompted extensive research into potential environmental risk factors, with air pollution particularly emerging as a major concern. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of air pollutants and time of exposure (particularly, PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , and O 3 ) and the risk of ASD was therefore performed., Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (Ref: CRD42023464592), a thorough literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The analysis included 27 studies encompassing 369,460 participants, 47,973 of whom were diagnosed with ASD., Results: Preconception exposure to air pollutants showed a protective trend for PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and O 3 with a 10%, 5%, and 19% reduced risk of ASD, whereas NO 2 had a 28% higher likelihood of ASD. During gestation, PM 2.5 exposure increased ASD risk by 15%, with 13% and 9%, 25% and 7%, and 25% and 10% increases in ASD risk with PM 2.5 and NO 2 for the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. In the first year of life, 20%, 8%, 33%, and 14% increases in risk were found for PM 2.5 , PM 10 , NO 2 , and O 3 , respectively, while such risk estimates increased to 179%, 60%, 12%, and 179% for the second year of life., Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, the relationships between air pollutants and ASD risk revealed significant associations, particularly for PM 2.5 and NO 2 . Exposure during preconception exhibited a protective trend, while postnatal exposure, particularly during the second year of life uncovered substantially higher ASD risk., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: An ethics statement is not applicable because this study is based exclusively on published literature., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Selenium (Se) is essential for human and animal health and nutritional status. As humans cannot produce Se, it must be obtained from the diet. Adequate Se supplementation improves innate immunity, increases antioxidant capacity and helps prevent various disorders. Sulfur (S) is an indispensable nutrient that affects plant growth, performance and yield. Cereals and legumes are global staple foods, and their proteins are considered sustainable plant-based meat alternatives, which are increasingly popular. Owing to their physicochemical similarities, the crosstalk between Se and S influences cereal and grain-legume derived proteins. Modifications induced by Se and S might improve the protein quality of harvested cereal and legume grains. This timely review not only identifies the knowledge gaps in this research area focusing on Se and S enrichment in cereals and legumes but also emphasizes the potential of this unexplored area for new applications. S enrichment resulted in better quality properties in the bread of wheat flour and stimulated the expression of S-rich globulins and albumins in legumes. Se supplementation enhanced the emulsifying capacity of legumes (e.g. chickpeas). The improvement of protein fractions in cereal and legume grains has the potential to revolutionize protein processing to offer new alternatives to produce an array of S- and Se-enriched cereal and legume products. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.)

Viruses pose a significant challenge and threat to human health, as demonstrated by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Neurodegeneration, particularly in the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD), is significantly influenced by viral infections. AD is a neurodegenerative disease that affects people of all ages and poses a significant threat to millions of individuals worldwide. The precise mechanism behind its development is not yet fully understood; however, the emergence and advancement of AD can be hastened by various environmental factors, such as bacterial and viral infections. There has been a longstanding suspicion that the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) may have a role to play in the development or advancement of AD. Reactivation of HSV-1 could potentially lead to damage to neurons, either by direct means or indirectly by triggering inflammation. This article provides an overview of the connection between HSV-1 infections and immune cells (astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes) in the progression of AD. It summarizes recent scientific research on how HSV-1 affects neurons, which could potentially shed light on the clinical features and treatment options for AD. In addition, the paper has explored the impact of HSV-1 on neurons and its role in various aspects of AD, such as Aβ secretion, tau hyperphosphorylation, metabolic dysregulation, oxidative damage, apoptosis, and autophagy. It is believed that the immune response triggered by HSV-1 reactivation plays a role in the development of neurodegeneration in AD. Despite the lack of a cure for AD, researchers have made significant efforts to study the clinical and pathological aspects of the disease, identify biomarkers, and gain insight into its underlying causes. The goal is to achieve early diagnosis and develop treatments that can modify the progression of the disease. The current article discusses the most promising therapy for combating the viral impacts, which provides additional evidence for the frequent reactivations of latent HSV-1 in the AD brain. However, further research is still required to establish the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of AD through the reactivation of HSV-1. This could potentially lead to new insights in drug development aimed at preventing HSV-1 reactivation and the subsequent development and progression of AD., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: Not applicable. Consent for Publication: Not applicable. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: T 1 thermometry is considered a straight method for the safety monitoring of patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes against radiofrequency-induced heating during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), requiring different sequences and methods., Objective: This study aimed to compare two T 1 thermometry methods and two low specific absorption rate (SAR) imaging sequences in terms of the output image quality., Material and Methods: In this experimental study, a gel phantom was prepared, resembling the brain tissue properties with a copper wire inside. Two types of rapid gradient echo sequences, namely radiofrequency-spoiled and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences, were used. T 1 thermometry was performed by either T 1 -weighted images with a high SAR sequence to increase heating around the wire or T 1 mapping methods., Results: The balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence provided higher image quality in terms of spatial resolution (1×1×1.5 mm 3 compared with 1×1×3 mm 3 ) at a shorter acquisition time. The susceptibility artifact was also less pronounced for the bSSFP sequence compared with the radiofrequency-spoiled sequence. A temperature increase, of up to 8 ℃, was estimated using a high SAR sequence. The estimated change in temperature was reduced when using the T 1 mapping method., Conclusion: Heating induced during MRI of implanted electrodes could be estimated using high-resolution T 1 maps obtained from inversion recovery bSSFP sequence. Such a method gives a direct estimation of heating during the imaging sequence, which is highly desirable for safe MRI of DBS patients., Competing Interests: None, (Copyright: © Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering.)

Plants and their derived phytochemicals have a long history of treating a wide range of illnesses for several decades. They are believed to be the origin of a diverse array of medicinal compounds. One of the compounds found in kudzu root is puerarin, a isoflavone glycoside commonly used as an alternative medicine to treat various diseases. From a biological perspective, puerarin can be described as a white needle crystal with the chemical name of 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-benzopyran-4-one-8-D-glucopyranoside. Besides, puerarin is sparingly soluble in water and produces no color or light yellow solution. Multiple experimental and clinical studies have confirmed the significant therapeutic effects of puerarin. These effects span a wide range of pharmacological effects, including neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, cardioprotection, immunomodulation, anticancer properties, anti-diabetic properties, anti-osteoporosis properties, and more. Puerarin achieves these effects by interacting with various cellular and molecular pathways, such as MAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, mTOR, β-catenin, and PKB/Akt, as well as different receptors, enzymes, and growth factors. The current review highlights the molecular mechanism of puerarin as a neuroprotective agent in the treatment of various neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. Extensive cellular, animal, and clinical research has provided valuable insights into its effectiveness in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cerebral stroke, depression, and more., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: Not applicable. Consent for Publication: Not applicable. Competing Interests: Not applicable., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The exposure of fish to heavy metals is a significant concern for human health and natural ecosystems. Despite being a critical issue, the extent of contamination in tropical fish from developing countries like Bangladesh remains somewhat unexplored. In this study, ten economically vital fish species (Osteogeneiosus militaris, Arius gagora, Harpadon nehereus, Mugil ephalus, Pseudapocryptes elongates, Apocryptes bato, Labeo bata, Tenualosa toil, Notopterus notopterus, and Pampus chinensis) from the Pasur River, Bangladesh, were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer for the concentrations of four concerned heavy metals, viz., As, Cr, Cd, and Pb, and the associated human health risks. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) followed the order of As (3.30 ± 1.43) > Pb (2.32 ± 0.73) > Cr (0.63 ± 0.29) > Cd (0.37 ± 0.24). Additionally, the bioaccumulation factor of the metals in the investigated fish species followed a decreasing trend of As (824.75) > Cr (781.25) > Cd (744) > Pb (385.83). While most species fell below the minimum bioaccumulation line, a few exceptions were noted for some species specific to metals. Health risk assessments indicated no significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for both children and adults, although children exhibited greater vulnerability to both types of health effects. Multivariate analysis and local perceptions supported the conclusion that heavy metals primarily originated from anthropogenic sources related to development activities adjacent to the riverine areas., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: Not applicable. All authors have read, understood, and have complied as applicable with the statement on “Ethical responsibilities of Authors” as found in the Instructions for Authors. Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: Migraine is a common neurological condition marked by unilateral recurrent pulsating headaches, often associated with systemic signs and symptoms. Recently, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists, including atogepant, an oral CGRP receptor antagonist, have emerged as effective and safe treatments. The current study sought to assess the efficacy and safety of atogepant for preventing episodic migraines in adults. Methods: A comprehensive search, following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials published up to June 2024. Results: The studies included adult participants with episodic migraine treated with atogepant. The primary outcomes assessed were changes in mean monthly migraine days (MMDs) and monthly headache days (MHDs) over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included reduction in acute medication use, 50% responder rates, and adverse events. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed to evaluate efficacy and safety. Six trials with 4569 participants were included. Atogepant significantly reduced mean monthly migraine days (MMDs) and monthly headache days (MHDs) compared to placebo at all doses (10 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg), with the 60 mg dose showing the greatest reduction (mean difference: -1.48 days, p < 0.001). Significant reductions in acute medication use and improved 50% responder rates were also observed for all doses. The safety profile of atogepant was favorable, with common adverse events being mild to moderate, such as constipation and nausea. There were no significant differences in serious adverse events between the atogepant and placebo groups. Conclusions: Atogepant is an effective and well-tolerated option for preventing episodic migraines, showing significant reductions in migraine frequency and acute medication use. However, further studies are necessary to assess its long-term safety and efficacy, especially at higher doses, and to investigate its potential role in personalized treatment strategies for migraine prevention.

Background: Nasal tip correction is one of the most challenging parts of rhinoplasty. The objective of the study was to compare the prevalence of supra-alar crease deepening in lateral crura steal (LCS) and lateral crura overlay (LCO) techniques., Methods: In this prospective study, eligible patients referred to a university hospital for septorhinoplasty during 2022 were included., Results: The study was conducted on 200 patients in two groups (100 patients in each group), 162 were women and 38 men with a mean age of 31.12 ± 0.60 years. In the third month of follow-up, 36.5% of all studied patients had supra-alar crease deepening, of whom 13% were in the interrupt group and 23.5% were in the steal group (P = 0.002); however, only 4% in the LCO and 9% in the LCS group had aesthetic or breathing disorders (P = 0.25). Deepening of the alar crease was not significantly related to the skin thickness in the two techniques., Conclusion: According to the results, both LCO and LCS techniques are effective in achieving successful outcomes, although the problematic supra-alar crease deepening is less common in the LCO group; therefore, it seems to be a more suitable option in cases where there is a greater need to tip rotation, although this finding was not statistically significant., Level of Evidence Iii: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 ., (© 2024. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.)

Objective: Inferior turbinate (IT) hypertrophy-induced chronic nasal obstruction is one of the most common problems in rhinology. However, the histopathological analysis of the hypertrophic IT is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the histological changes and the most functional areas of the IT to assist otolaryngologists with improving and modifying surgical techniques and minimizing potential complications., Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of hypertrophic IT to nasal obstruction. For the analysis, a total of 38 adult patients (IT hypertrophy group and non-IT hypertrophy [control] group) were enrolled, and 131 specimens were obtained during the surgical procedures (IT hypertrophy group, endoscopic submucosal turbinoplasty and septoplasty; non-IT hypertrophy group, septoplasty). Intraoperative samples were collected from four sites of the IT to determine the dimensions, composition, and possible pathological changes in each individual site. The samples were analyzed using light microscopy., Results: A comparison of the four sites of the IT in the IT hypertrophy group showed that the posterior end had the highest normal epithelium percentage, and cilia count. This suggests that preserving the functional part of the IT during surgery is crucial. Furthermore, a comparison of both groups in terms of basement membrane thickness and vessel wall thickness (p = 0.005 and p = 0.03, respectively) showed significant differences., Conclusion: Our findings can assist otolaryngologists select the most appropriate surgical procedures for IT hypertrophy. In addition, they advocate the importance of preserving the functional part of the IT during surgical intervention to achieve an efficiently working IT and avoid undesirable complications while improving the nasal airway passage., Level of Evidence: Level 3., (Copyright © 2024 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier España S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), six Salsola species from Iran were examined for their epidermis, seed, and fruit micromorphology. Among them were S. brachiata from section Heterotricha, S dendroides, S. incanescens, and S. orientalis from section Caroxylon, S. kali from section Kali, and S. turcomanica from section Physurus. Epidermal cells are divided into three types. There were diamond, irregular, and polygonal cells, as well as straight and undulated walls. Studied species of Salsola have smooth or sculptured fruit surfaces, and there are three main types of fruit surface ornamentation. There is a significant difference between these species based on the type of hair and density of the fruit. Seed shape and color have little systematic significance. The seed epidermis is composed of polygonal, elongated polygonal, irregular, and diamond cells. Although polygonal and irregular testa cells are most common, their size and shape can provide additional information and useful diagnostic characteristics at both specific and infraspecific levels. For taxonomic separation, the current study provides novel insights at micromorphological levels. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This article reports halophyte are shown as models for adaptation to extreme habitats. These plants are placed among the ecological communities of xerophytes. Here, for the first time, the microstructural analysis of Salsola has been investigated. Additionally, it provides new insights into plant species' response to extreme conditions, as well as possible adaptation strategies at the micromorphological level., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: This research was designed to determine the long-term outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) after direct-acting anti-viral drugs (DAAs) based regimens., Patients and Methods: This study involved 193 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis who had previously completed DAAs regimens and accomplished SVR. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological features at the first and 3rd-year follow-up after the end of treatment were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and incidence of liver decompensation or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were determined at the 5-year follow-up., Results: About 68.4% of our patients with HCV-related cirrhosis were males and their mean age was 54.8 ± 7.7 years. Follow-up at the first and the 3rd-year showed significant improvements in albumin ( P = 0.001), liver enzymes ( P = 0.001), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ( P < 0.001), platelet count ( P = 0.001), the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score ( P = 0.001 and 0.01), FIB4 and Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores ( p < 0.001). The liver stiffness (LS) also significantly improved ( p = 0.001). At the 5th year, the mean OS was 58.3 months, with 14.5% and 17.6% of patients developing de-novo HCC and decompensation, respectively. The mean OS at the 5th-year follow-up was shorter in patients who developed HCC and those with liver decompensation ( p = 0.001). Alfa-fetoprotein and LS are predictive factors for HCC development., Conclusion: Despite achieving SVR, continuous surveillance for HCC and new-onset decompensation is mandatory in patients with liver cirrhosis., Competing Interests: All author(s) declared no relevant conflicts of interest in the current study., (© 2024 Salama et al.)

The simultaneous determination of multiple anticancer drugs in combination therapy poses a significant analytical challenge due to their complex nature and low concentrations. In this study, we propose an in-syringe vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (IS-VA-LLME), based on a green natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) for the simultaneous determination of two coadministered anticancer drugs (resveratrol and chrysin) prior to the HPLC-UV analysis, for the first time. The key parameters affecting the extraction efficiency, such as extraction solvent, vortex time, pH, and ionic strength were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the method demonstrates good linearity over the range of 0.05-15.0 μg/mL for RVT and 0.50-15.0 μg/mL for CHR with low limits of detection (LODs) of 16.78 and 161.60 ng/mL for RVT and CHR, respectively, confirming the high sensitivity of the method. The interday and intraday precision values, expressed as %RSDs, are below 2.0%, indicating good repeatability and reproducibility. Furthermore, the proposed method could be efficiently applied for the determination of the two drugs in human plasma and river water. The obtained results show satisfactory % recoveries (97.80%-102.04%), highlighting the accuracy and reliability of the developed method. The sustainability of the method was comprehensively evaluated using seven different tools. In conclusion, the developed IS-VA-LLME-NaDES allows for enhanced extraction efficiency, reduced extraction time, and improved recovery of the target analytes. This method holds great promise for applications in clinical and environmental research, enabling the precise quantification of these anticancer drugs in complex matrices., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Prospective university students experience substantial academic stressors and psychological vulnerabilities, yet their mental health literacy (MHL) remains inadequately explored. This study investigates four dimensions of MHL - help-seeking behaviors, stigma, knowledge about mental health and understanding of mental illnesses. Besides, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are employed to analyze spatial disparities in MHL, which is the first in the context of MHL research. A total of 1,485 students were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, admission-related variables, health behaviors and family histories of mental health issues. Data were analyzed using SPSS and ArcGIS software. Multivariable linear regression analyses unveiled predictors of the MHL dimensions, with gender, family income, admission test performance, smoking, alcohol and drug use, physical and mental health history, current depression or anxiety and family history of mental health and suicide incidents emerging as common predictors. GIS analysis unraveled notable regional disparities in MHL, particularly in knowledge of mental health and mental illness, with northern and some southern districts displaying higher literacy levels. In conclusion, these findings accentuate significant gender and sociodemographic inequalities in MHL among prospective university students, highlighting the imperative for targeted interventions to enhance MHL and foster mental well-being in this cohort., Competing Interests: The authors declare none., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Background The continuous light force with a wide range of activation describes the excellent properties of nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires. Shape memory is mainly affected by intraoral thermal changes. This study evaluated the effect of three different constant temperatures (i.e., 12°C, 37°C, and 50°C) on the unloading value of three different 0.016 × 0.022 NiTi archwires. Methodology Three types of 0.016 × 0.022-inch diameter NiTi archwires (American Orthodontics®, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA) were used. These were the superelastic type (NT3-SE®), the heat-activated type at 25°C (Thermal Ti-D®), and the thermally activated type at 35°C (Thermal Ti-Lite®). The unloading forces of the wires were evaluated using a classic three-point bending test (a universal testing machine: Testometric 350M®, Instron, Lincoln Close, Rochdale, England) under three different constant temperatures (12°C, 37°C, and 50°C). Results All types of wires showed thermal sensitivity; at higher temperatures, the unloading forces increased differentially between small and large deflections, while at lower temperatures, the residual strain increased for all wire types. The most affected type by the thermal changes was thermal Ti-Lite®, followed by thermal Ti-D®, and the superelastic type NT3-SE® showed a behavior similar to thermal wires. At the low temperature (12°C), all wire types showed an incomplete load/deflection curve, whereas no value was measured at unloading points 2, 1, and 0.5 mm. At the normal temperature (37°C), NT3-SE® type and thermal Ti-D® were similar in force level, while significant differences were noted between both previous types and Thermal Ti-Lite®. At the high temperature (50°C), all wire types showed a higher force level, while significant differences between the wire types were inconsistent. In contrast, increasing the temperature from 37°C to 50°C increased the force levels between 40% and 84% for NT3-SE®, between 44% and 64% for the thermal Ti-D®, and between 61% and 268% for the Thermal Ti-Lite®. When comparing the force levels between 12°C and 50°C at 3 mm, the force levels increased by 66% for NT3-SE®, 25% for Thermal Ti-D®, and 109% for thermal Ti-Lite®, while on comparing the forces between 12°C to 37°C, the forces increased between 15% and 95% for NT3-SE®, 20% and 88% for thermal Ti-D®, and 26% and 78% for thermal Ti-Lite®. The value of residual strain was greater at low temperatures and smaller at higher temperatures, while no significant differences were detected between 37°C and 50°C. Conclusions The temperature degree deeply affected the mechanical behavior of all test NiTi wires; the superelastic type behaved similarly to thermal wires. Increasing the temperature degree leads to more unloading forces and less residual strain., Competing Interests: Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. 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, Al-Horini et al.)

Background: To date, the clinical implications of the long-lasting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) such as the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in the course of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are yet to be determined. The main aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between NAFLD and early LVDD progression along with demographic characteristics., Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on ninety consecutive diabetic outpatients referred to the endocrinology clinic. Demographic data were collected using a designed checklist. Ultrasound imaging was performed to assess the fatty liver condition. To assess LV diastolic function, echocardiography was performed, using a trans-thoracic tissue Doppler echocardiography., Results: The results showed that the majority of participants were females (61.1%). The fasting blood glucose (FBG, mg/dl) level was 174.65 ±51.1. Also, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.92±4.19, which was significantly associated with NAFLD. It has been also estimated that 76.7% and 81.1% of diabetic patients had NAFLD and simultaneous LVDD, respectively. However, the statistical results did not show a significant association between non-progressive NAFLD and LVDD (p<0.05)., Conclusion: There was no correlation between NAFLD and LVDD progression. However, timely evaluation of LVDD in T2DM outpatients with NAFLD can strongly help to prevent possible cardiomyopathy in high-risk populations., Competing Interests: The authors declared that they have no competing interest regarding this study., (© The Author(s).)

The complex pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses challenges for the development of therapies. Recently, neuroinflammation has been identified as a key pathogenic mechanism underlying AD, while inflammation has emerged as a possible target for the management and prevention of AD. Several prior studies have demonstrated that medications modulating neuroinflammation might lessen AD symptoms, mostly by controlling neuroinflammatory signaling pathways such as the NF-κB, MAPK, NLRP3, etc, and their respective signaling cascade. Moreover, targeting these inflammatory modalities with inhibitors, natural products, and metabolites has been the subject of intensive research because of their anti-inflammatory characteristics, with many studies demonstrating noteworthy pharmacological capabilities and potential clinical applications. Therefore, targeting inflammation is considered a promising strategy for treating AD. This review comprehensively elucidates the neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying AD progression and the beneficial effects of inhibitors, natural products, and metabolites in AD treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this work, we present a novel colorimetric sensing platform for the sensitive detection of ethamsylate (ETM) usingultrathin MnO 2 nanosheets with enhancedoxidase-mimicking activity. A facile template-free hydrothermal process was applied to synthesize the MnO 2 nanosheets under mild conditions. The nanosheets exhibited oxidase-mimicking activity, facilitating the conversion of TMB into the blue-colored oxTMB in the absence of H 2 O 2 . However, the presence of ETM inhibited this activity, resulting in the conversion of oxTMB back to colorless TMB and a substantial decrease in the blue color intensity. The colorimetric response exhibited a linear relationship with ETM concentration over the range of 0.5 to 10.0 µg/mL and a detection limit of 0.156 µg/mL. To further elucidate the underlying mechanism, we performed extensive characterization and kinetic experiments. The findings demonstrated that this unique property is attributed to the remarkable capacity of the MnO 2 nanosheets to absorb oxygen, producing superoxide radicals (O 2 - ). The oxidase-mimicking activity of the nanosheets was further confirmed by the reaction kinetics, following Michaelis-Menten's behavior. Moreover, the applicability of the sensing platform was assessed by determining ETM concentrations in various real samples (different pharmaceuticals, human plasma, and environmental water). The well-established platform demonstrates the prospective role that nanomaterials-based sensing platforms may play in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical analysis, and other relevant fields., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among adolescents poses significant risks to academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of EDS in adolescents in Bangladesh and utilizes machine learning approaches to predict the risk of EDS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1496 adolescents using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected through a two-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS. Machine learning models, including Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), were employed to identify and predict EDS risk factors using Python and Google Colab. Results: The prevalence of EDS in the cohort was 11.6%. SHAP values from the CatBoost model identified self-rated health status, gender, and depression as the most significant predictors of EDS. Among the models, GBM achieved the highest accuracy (90.15%) and precision (88.81%), while CatBoost had comparable accuracy (89.48%) and the lowest log loss (0.25). ROC-AUC analysis showed that CatBoost and GBM performed robustly in distinguishing between EDS and non-EDS cases, with AUC scores of 0.86. Both models demonstrated the superior predictive performance for EDS compared to others. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the role of health and demographic factors in predicting EDS among adolescents in Bangladesh. Machine learning techniques offer valuable insights into the relative contribution of these factors, and can guide targeted interventions. Future research should include longitudinal and interventional studies in diverse settings to improve generalizability and develop effective strategies for managing EDS among adolescents.

TRAIL (Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand) is an attractive agent being considered a potential cancer treatment. It attaches to its death receptors, leading many cancer cells to apoptosis. However, some malignancies indicate substantial resistance to TRAIL, challenging anticancer scientists. Herein, combination therapy with TRAIL plus SAHA (Suberoyl Anilide Hydroxamic Acid) was conducted to evaluate the capability of SAHA to overcome TRAIL resistance in the leukemia K562 cell line. First, the IC 50 for SAHA was calculated (2 µM) at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment using MTT assay. Second, the K562 cells were treated with concentrations of 50 and 100 nM of TRAIL and 2 μM of SAHA separately and together for 24, 48, and 72 h and the survival of these cells was evaluated by Flowcytometry following the annexin-V and PI staining. To demonstrate the non-toxicity of the combined treatment for normal cells, the HEK-293 cell line was treated with the TRAIL 100 nM and SAHA 2 μM combined and separated at the same periods. In the end, by performing real-time PCR, the amount of candidate genes' expression implicated in TRAIL resistance, and the levels of BCR-ABL expression was measured. The drug dosages were not toxic to normal cells. SAHA plus TRAIL strongly triggered apoptosis in K562 cells after 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure. Furthermore, it was shown that DR4, DR5, and CHOP expressions were enhanced, and PI3K, Akt, ERK, STAT3, c-FLIPL, NF-κB, and BCR-ABL expressions were decreased by SAHA in K562 cells. Our study indicated that SAHA combined with TRAIL can increase the sensitivity of K562 leukemic cells to TRAIL by suppressing intracellular anti-apoptotic molecules and augmenting the expressions of DR4/DR5 and CHOP., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

University entrance test-takers are a vulnerable group of students transitioning from adolescence to youth, a peak time for adopting unhealthy behaviors. However, limited studies investigate substance use behaviors among this group. This study aimed to investigate the current (past 12 months) prevalence, associated risk factors, and geographic distribution of substance use behaviors, employing spatial analysis to identify regional disparities. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing convenience sampling in February 2024 among university entrance test-takers at Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh (N = 1485). Participants provided information on socio-demographics, admission-related, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and substance use. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were employed to explore significant associations, with spatial analysis using ArcGIS to map substance use across districts. About 20.8% reported smoking, 10.1% reported drug use, and 9.9% reported alcohol consumption over the past 12 months. Males exhibited higher rates of smoking (23.1% vs. 17.6%) and alcohol consumption (10% vs. 9.7%), while females reported slightly higher rates of drug use (10.2% vs. 10%). Being female (AOR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40-0.79; p = 0.001), living in rural areas (AOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.94; p = 0.020), having a higher monthly family income (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.01-2.91; p = 0.042), a history of physical illness (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI: 1.87-3.76; p < 0.001), being a repeat test-taker (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.08-2.05; p = 0.014), and satisfaction with previous mock tests (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.20-2.28; p = 0.002) were significant risk factors for smoking. For drug use, belonging to a joint family (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.08-2.71; p = 0.021), having a history of physical illness (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.64-4.02; p < 0.001), and satisfaction with previous mock tests (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.20-2.83; p = 0.005) increased the risk. Additionally, a history of physical illness (AOR = 5.12; 95% CI: 3.27-8.02; p < 0.001) and satisfaction with previous mock tests (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.13-2.80; p = 0.013) were contributing factors to alcohol consumption. Spatial analyses indicated higher rates of substance use in border districts. The findings warrant targeted interventions, such as mental health support and substance use prevention programs, particularly in high-risk regions. By understanding the factors driving substance use, tailored strategies can be developed to reduce risk behaviors among university entrance test-takers, ultimately enhancing public health outcome in this vulnerable population., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Mental illness is a common disease that at its extremes leads to personal and societal suffering. A complicated multi-factorial disease, mental illness is influenced by a number of socioeconomic and clinical factors, including individual risk factors. Traditionally, approaches relying on personal interviews and filling out questionnaires have been employed to diagnose mental illness; however, these manual procedures have been found to be frequently prone to errors and unable to reliably identify individuals with mental illness. Fortunately, people with mental illnesses frequently express their ailments on social media, making it possible to more precisely identify mental disease by harvesting their social media posts. This study offers a thorough analysis of how to identify mental illnesses (more specifically, depression) from users' social media data. Along with the explanation of data acquisition, preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification techniques, the most recent published literature is presented to give the readers a thorough understanding of the subject. Since, in the recent past, the majority of the relevant scientific community has focused on using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models to identify mental illness, so the review also focuses on these techniques and along with their detail, their critical analysis is presented. More than 100 DL, ML, and natural language processing (NLP) based models developed for mental illness in the recent past have been reviewed, and their technical contributions and strengths are discussed. There exist multiple review studies, however, discussing extensive recent literature along with the complete road map on how to design a mental illness detection system using social media data and ML and DL classification methods is limited. The review also includes detail on how a dataset may be acquired from social media platforms, how it is preprocessed, and features are extracted from it to employ for mental illness detection. Hence, we anticipate that this review will help readers learn more and give them a comprehensive road map for identifying mental illnesses using users' social media data., Competing Interests: The authors declare there are no competing interests., (©2024 Shah et al.)

Population-based studies of cardiovascular disease markers, such as hs-CRP, are crucial. However, studies exploring the effect of metabolic indices on hs-CRP while controlling for confounding variables adequately in middle-aged adults are limited. Using Wave 5 data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we examined the impact of various metabolic indices on hs-CRP in adults aged 32-42, controlling for eight allergic and infectious factors that may elevate hs-CRP levels. We used multiple linear regression analysis to determine which factors predict hs-CRP levels after log transformation of the dependent variable. The total number of participants was N = 1839 (weighted N = 1390763), with a mean age of 38.1 (SD = 2.0) and 46.4% having obesity. Among the controlled variables, recent surgery was the only confounder to significantly predict increased hs-CRP levels (P = 0.029, exponentiated estimate (EE) = 1.61; 95% Cl: [1.31-1.91]). Notably, current smoking and altered LDL or TG levels did not show a significant association with hs-CRP levels (P > 0.05). However, a significant increase in hs-CRP levels was observed in females compared to males (P < 0.001, EE = 1.43; 95%Cl: [1.35-1.51]). Similar findings were noted for diabetic HbA1c levels (P = 0.001, EE = 1.6; 95%CL: [1.42-1.78]), high waist circumference (P = 0.015, EE = 1.25; 95%CL: [1.15-1.35]), and grade 3 obesity (P = 0.006, EE = 7.62; 95%CL: [2.86-12.38]). Although not statistically significant, hs-CRP levels exhibited a gradual increase with rising BMI after controlling for other variables. These findings will improve the clinical application of hs-CRP in predicting coronary artery disease, especially in younger adults., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: none to declare, (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The tourism industry has become increasingly information-driven where tourists need reliable information to make their travel decisions. Social media content creators have emerged as prominent figures in disseminating authentic and credible information about tourist destinations worldwide. However, scant attention has been paid to explore the role of social media content in influencing tourist inflows and tourist engagement with tourism-related content on social media. To fill this gap, the present study utilized three social media analytic tools: VidIQ, Tubebuddy, and Social Blade, to collect data pertaining to tourism-related content across six tourist destinations in the Arabian Gulf region. The results indicate that these six tourist destinations collectively attracted 47 million visitors in a single year while garnering 158 million views on YouTube. Our findings indicate that tourists' consumption of tourism-related content on YouTube directly relates to the number of tourists visiting a destination. In addition, the present study also finds that destination popularity leads to higher number of video views on YouTube as well as higher numbers of tourists to the destination. Furthermore, the current study delineates the role of content creator characteristics in influencing user engagement with tourism-related content. The present study offers valuable insights for destination management organizations, tourism operators, tourism industry stakeholders, content creators, social media marketing managers and destination brand managers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Jellyfish are known for experiencing periodic blooms in population, which occur when their density increases suddenly. The present study assessed the level of heavy metals and proximate composition in the jellyfish Lobonemoides robustus collected from Cox's Bazar coast of Bangladesh. This is the first study conducted in Bangladesh. Most of the studied metals were not possible to detect in L. robustus samples because concentrations were below the detection limit. Ca, Na, Se, and Mg were found to have safe levels in the L. robustus while the amount of Pb was recorded 0.39 ppm. The findings of Target Hazard Quotient, and Carcinogenic Risk indicate that the L. robustus is safe for human consumption (both for children and adults). Hence, it is suitable for consumption and can be exported. This study emphasizes the need for regular marine environment monitoring to ensure that the seafood harvested from these waters is safe for consumption., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used chemical with a harmful effect on animal and human. The neonatal and juvenile period is a highly risky neurodevelopmental period., Aim: This study aimed to determine how male albino rat pups' cerebral cortex was altered by low doses of BPA given to mothers and the role of the oxidative stress., Methods: Thirty pregnant rats were randomly split into three equal groups, negative control, and positive control: received 1 cc of corn oil once a day through gastric tube and BPA treated: a dose of 200 µg/kg/day (dissolved in 1 cc corn oil). The male rat pups of each group were sacrificed at 1 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks. The cerebra were then separated from the brain for histological and biochemical studies., Results: Rats administered BPA had raised levels of lipid peroxidation marker (MDA), lower levels of enzymatic antioxidants (SOD and CAT) with decreased body, cerebral weights, and decreased levels of non-enzymatic antioxidant defense (GSH). Histo-pathologically, shrunken pyramidal cells with congested blood vessels appeared. GFAP displayed increased number of positive immune-reactive astrocytes with high statistically significant increase in the area % in BPA treated group when compared to the control groups, on contrary to MBP. Semi-thin and ultra-thin BPA-sections revealed degenerative changes in myelinated axons with tiny nucleus and broken nuclear membranes. Lysosomes, dilated endoplasmic reticulum cisternae with noticeable increase in unmyelinated nerve fibers were also observed., Conclusion: The structure of the developing cerebral cortex is negatively impacted by BPA due to oxidative stress., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the reliability of sequential examination under anaesthesia (EUA) to determine pelvic instability and to evaluate radiological and functional outcomes in unstable lateral compression (LC) injuries., Methods: A prospective case series study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 at a university hospital on 43 cases with LC injuries that met the inclusion criteria. Sequential EUA was carried out in three steps. Posterior-only fixation or anterior-posterior fixation was done according to the algorithm. Each patient was followed up for at least 12 months, both radiologically and functionally., Results: Forty cases proved unstable and were fixed. None showed secondary displacement in the anterior-posterior fixation group. However, five cases (19.2%) of the posterior-only fixation group showed secondary displacement with a mean of 5.9 mm. Four cases of them had tetra-ramic injuries. There is a high tendency for secondary displacement at 14.5 mm or more preoperative displacement of the rami. Patients with secondary displacement showed comparable functional outcome scores to patients without secondary displacement. Posterior-only fixation showed shorter operative time, lesser radiological exposure, blood loss and iatrogenic nerve injury than anterior-posterior fixation., Conclusion: EUA is a reliable method to determine pelvic instability and management plan for LC fractures with unilateral anterior ring injury. Anterior-posterior fixation is needed if there is a tetra-ramic fracture or initial anterior ring displacement of 14.5 mm or more, irrespective of EUA., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: The availability and utilization of telehealth services have been rapidly increasing in the past decade, which paved the way for ophthalmological care to be offered more easily and conveniently. However, the proficiency of telehealth in the context of ophthalmical care still requires further studies to prove its effectiveness. This study examined the proficiency of general practitioners in a telemedicine platform in identifying red flag symptoms, suggestive of retinal detachment, and devising optimal management strategies. Methods: Our cross-sectional study used chat-based consultations on Altibbi Telemedicine platform (2018-2023) to study ophthalmical patients presenting with "blurred vision" or "blindness." Those endorsing red flag symptoms were categorized as having "positive symptomatology" and those reporting none as having "negative symptomatology." Management plans were classified as referral or reassuring. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM's Statistical Package for Social Sciences to examine associations between symptomatology and other variables. p values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Five hundred and fifty ( n = 550) patients with a mean age 22.5 ± 13 years were included. Patients expressing positive symptomatology were more likely to be referred relative to those expressing negative symptomatology (81% vs. 61%, p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between genders and referral ( p = 0.053) or age and referral ( p = 0.231). Multivariate regression showed a significant correlation between positive symptoms and referral (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.0; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.3-3.3), none between gender (aOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 0.9-2.2) or age (aOR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.9-1.1) and referral odds. Conclusion: The telemedicine platform studied is effective in referring cases with red flag symptoms to urgent care, regardless of age and gender.

School burnout (SB) among adolescents is a growing concern, yet there has been limited research in Bangladesh. This study aims to address this gap by validating the School Burnout Inventory (SBI) in Bangla and investigating the predictive factors of SB among high-school-going adolescents in Bangladesh. The study employed a cross-sectional design, recruiting participants from various high schools across urban and rural areas. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, which included information related to demographics, COVID-19, school burnout, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depression. The SBI-Bangla demonstrated high reliability and validity. The mean score of SB was 20.26 (±7.84). Significant differences in SB levels were observed across different age groups, grades, locations, mother's education levels, smoking status, and self-reported COVID-19 infection status. Multiple linear regression identified age (B = 0.647, p = .010), location (B = -1.043, p = .034), depression (B = 0.270, p < .001), daytime sleepiness (B = 0.208, p < .001), and insomnia (B = 0.662, p < .001) as significant predictors of SB. The final model explained 12.3% of the variance in SB scores. Enhancing sleep hygiene and addressing psychological issues may help reduce academic burnout. This study provides valuable baseline data that can inform future research and policy formulation aimed at reducing adolescent SB in Bangladesh., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Type-two diabetes, characterised by insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production, is prevalent among adults. The α-amylase enzyme contributes to carbohydrate digestion, elevating postprandial glucose levels. Natural compounds like caffeic acid offer a solution. This study investigates α-amylase inhibition via in-vitro and in-silico methods, emphasising the connection between phenolic compounds and antidiabetic efficacy for in-silico analysis. Enzyme kinetics, IC 50 , and molecular docking examine caffeic acid's inhibitory action on α-amylase, comparing it with gallic acid and acarbose. Caffeic acid outperforms acarbose with an IC 50 of 4.505 mg/mL versus 16.81 mg/mL, showcasing strong antidiabetic activity. Caffeic acid's superior 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (90.67%) compared to gallic acid (55.76%) indicates potent antioxidative and antidiabetic properties. Molecular docking reveals hydrogen bonding between caffeic acid and α-amylase. These insights lay the groundwork for phenolic-based diabetic therapies, offering less expensive treatment for diabetes patients.

This study focuses on Bangladeshi university entrance test-taking students mental health problems and explores the geographical distribution of these problems using GIS technique. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1523 university entrance test-taking students. Data were collected on participants' socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related factors, admission tests, depression, and anxiety. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed using SPSS software. GIS mapping was used to visualize the distribution of mental health problems across districts using ArcGIS. The study found that the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety among university entrance examinees were 53.8% and 33.2%, respectively. Males exhibited higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to females, while repeat test-taking students were more susceptible to these mental health issues compared to first-time test-takers. Factors such as urban residence, personal/familial COVID-19 infections, and COVID-19 deaths in close relationships were associated with increased mental health problems. District-based distribution showed no significant variation in depression, but anxiety varied significantly. Post-hoc GIS analysis revealed variations in the distribution of depression and anxiety among males, as well as variations in anxiety distribution based on student status across districts. This study emphasizes the high prevalence of depression and anxiety among university entrance examinees, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health risks in this population. It also suggests the need for reforms in the university entrance test-taking system to reduce psychological problems and advocates for a more inclusive approach to student admissions to alleviate mental health burdens., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: : Polyvinyl alcohol-capped silver nanostructures (cAgNSs) were investigated in order to enhance the cytotoxicity, pro-apoptotic, and oxidant patterns of in human laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells by employing a 50 mT electromagnetic field (LEMF) for 30 min., Methods: Wet chemical reduction was used to synthesize the cAgNSs, and after they had been capped with polyvinyl alcohol, they were specifically examined for particle size analysis and structural morphology. To visualize how the silver may attach to the protein targets, a molecular docking study was conducted. Estimation of cytotoxicity, cell cycle progression supported by mRNA expression of three apoptotic-promoting genes and one apoptotic-resisting., Results: Particle size analysis results were a mean particle size of 157.3±0.5 nm, zeta potential value of -29.6 mV±1.5 mV, and polydispersity index of 0.31±0.05. Significantly reduction of IC 50 against Hep-2 cells by around 6-fold was concluded. Also, we obtained suppression of the proliferation of Hep-2 cells, especially in the G 0 /G 1 and S phases. Significant enhanced mRNA expression revealed enhanced induced CASP3, p53, and Beclin-1 mediated pro-apoptosis and induced NF-κB mediated autophagy in Hep-2 cells. Augmented levels of GR, ROS and MDA as oxidative stress biomarkers were also obtained. HE staining of Hep-2 cells exposed to cAgNSs and LEMF confirmed the enhanced apoptotic potential comparatively., Conclusion: By conclusion, the developed nano-sized structures with the aid of extremely-low frequency electromagnetic field were successful to fortify the anti-cancer profile of cAgNSs in Hep-2 cells., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 Attia et al.)

Background: Suicidal behavior among adolescents with mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, is a critical issue. This study explores the prevalence and predictors of past-year suicidal behaviors among Bangladeshi high school graduates, employing both traditional statistical and machine learning methods., Aims: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of past-year suicidal behaviors among high school graduates with mental health disorders, evaluate the effectiveness of various machine learning models in predicting these behaviors, and identify geographical disparities., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,242 high school graduates (54.1% female) in June 2023, collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, mental health status, sleep patterns, and digital addiction. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, while machine learning and GIS analyses were conducted with Python and ArcMap 10.8, respectively., Results: Among the participants, 29.9% reported suicidal ideation, 15.3% had suicide plans, and 5.4% attempted suicide in the past year. Significant predictors included rural residence, sleep duration, comorbid depression and anxiety, and digital addiction. Machine learning analyses revealed that permanent residence was the most significant predictor of suicidal behavior, while digital addiction had the least impact. Among the models used, the CatBoost model achieved the highest accuracy (69.42% for ideation, 87.05% for planning, and 94.77% for attempts) and demonstrated superior predictive performance. Geographical analysis showed higher rates of suicidal behaviors in specific districts, though overall disparities were not statistically significant., Conclusion: Enhancing mental health services in rural areas, addressing sleep issues, and implementing digital health and community awareness programs are crucial for reducing suicidal behavior. Future longitudinal research is needed to better understand these factors and develop more effective prevention strategies.

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and the dysregulation of numerous biological functions, including metabolism. Because of the potential implications of targeted therapies, the metabolic alterations seen in cancer cells, such as the Warburg effect and disruptions in lipid and amino acid metabolism, have gained attention in cancer research. In this review, we delve into recent research examining the influence of natural products on altered cancer metabolism. Natural products were selected based on their ability to target cancer's altered metabolism. We identified the targets and explored the mechanisms of action of these natural products in influencing cellular energetics. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid ground for researchers to consider natural products in cancer treatment alone and in combination with conventional anticancer therapies.

Cancer, a multifaceted and pernicious disease, continuously challenges medicine, requiring innovative treatments. Brain cancers pose unique and daunting challenges due to the intricacies of the central nervous system and the blood-brain barrier. In this era of precision medicine, the convergence of neurology, oncology, and cutting-edge technology has given birth to a promising avenue - targeted cancer therapy. Furthermore, bioinspired microrobots have emerged as an ingenious approach to drug delivery, enabling precision and control in cancer treatment. This Keynote review explores the intricate web of neurological insights into brain-targeted cancer therapy and the paradigm-shifting world of bioinspired microrobots. It serves as a critical and comprehensive overview of these evolving fields, aiming to underscore their integration and potential for revolutionary cancer treatments., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are severe and life-threatening conditions in which significant damage of functional neurons occurs to produce psycho-motor malfunctions. NDs are an important cause of death in the elderly population worldwide. These disorders are commonly associated with the progression of age, oxidative stress, and environmental pollutants, which are the major etiological factors. Abnormal aggregation of specific proteins such as α-synuclein, amyloid-β, huntingtin, and tau, and accumulation of the associated oligomers in neurons are the hallmark pathological features of NDs. Existing therapeutic options for NDs are only symptomatic relief and do not address root-causing factors, such as protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotic natural cannabinoid obtained from Cannabis sativa that possesses multiple pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in various NDs and other neurological disorders both in vitro and in vivo. CBD has gained attention as a promising drug candidate for the management of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, by inhibiting protein aggregation, free radicals, and neuroinflammation. In parallel, CBD has shown positive results in other neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, as well as adjuvant treatment with existing standard therapeutic agents. Hence, the present review focuses on exploring the possible molecular mechanisms in controlling various neurological disorders as well as the clinical applications of CBD in NDs including epilepsy, depression and anxiety. In this way, the current review will serve as a standalone reference for the researchers working in this area., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a challenging neurodegenerative condition, with overwhelming implications for affected individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Animal models have played a crucial role in studying AD pathogenesis and testing therapeutic interventions. Remarkably, studies on the genetic factors affecting AD risk, such as APOE and TREM2, have provided valuable insights into disease mechanisms. Early diagnosis has emerged as a crucial factor in effective AD management, as demonstrated by clinical studies emphasizing the benefits of initiating treatment at early stages. Novel diagnostic technologies, including RNA sequencing of microglia, offer promising avenues for early detection and monitoring of AD progression. Therapeutic strategies remain to evolve, with a focus on targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau pathology. Advances in animal models, such as APP-KI mice, and the advancement of anti-Aβ drugs signify progress towards more effective treatments. Therapeutically, the focus has shifted towards intricate approaches targeting multiple pathological pathways simultaneously. Strategies aimed at reducing Aβ plaque accumulation, inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, and modulating neuroinflammation are actively being explored, both in preclinical models and clinical trials. While challenges continue in developing validated animal models and translating preclinical findings to clinical success, the continuing efforts in understanding AD at molecular, cellular, and clinical levels offer hope for improved management and eventual prevention of this devastating disease., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There is no conflict of interest to be declared. Competing Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)