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A generalized analytical formulation is presented for the prediction of ballistic impact behavior of 2D woven fabric composite laminates impacted with a rigid cylindrical projectile. The formulation is valid for a wide range of laminate thicknesses. The formulation is based on stress wave propagation and energy balance between the projectile and the composite target. During the ballistic impact event, the energy lost by the projectile is absorbed by the target through various damage and energy absorbing mechanisms such as compression of the target directly below the projectile, compression in the region surrounding the impacted zone, shear plugging, stretching and tensile failure of yarns/layers in the region consisting of primary yarns, tensile deformation of yarns/layers in the region consisting of secondary yarns, conical deformation on the back face of the target, delamination, matrix cracking, and friction between the projectile and the target. The formulation presented considers both shear plugging and tensile failure during conical deformation. Solution procedure for the evaluation of ballistic impact performance is presented. Experimental validation is performed on the ballistic impact behavior of two types of composite specimens: 2D plain weave E-glass/epoxy and 2D 8H satin weave T300 carbon/epoxy. Typical results on ballistic limit velocity and energy absorbed by various mechanisms are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We report on the structural, thermal, linear, and ultrafast third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of two novel anthracene chalcones: (2E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (5ML2SANC) and (2E)-1-(9-anthryl)-3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (245TMANC). The chalcones were synthesized by Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction, and the single crystals were grown by the solvent evaporation method. The molecular structure was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, while the crystal structure was determined using the single crystal XRD. Both crystals belong to centrosymmetric monoclinic crystal system with space group P2 1 /n. The Hirshfeld surface was analyzed to understand intermolecular interactions, and the band structures - including HOMO-LUMO levels, excited state energies, GCRDs and MEPs-were studied using DFT. The ultrafast third-order NLO properties were investigated by Z-scan and degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) techniques using Ti: Sapphire amplifier laser delivering ∼50 fs pulses at 800 nm (1 kHz, ∼4 mJ, 2 W). Two-photon absorption, positive nonlinear refraction, optical limiting and optical switching behaviors were observed by Z-scan measurements. The time-resolved DFWM show that the decay time of 5ML2SANC is ∼127 fs, while for 245TMANC it is ∼142 fs. The second hyperpolarizability (γ) measured by Z-scan, DFWM and the estimations from the DFT theory are found to be in good agreement (∼10 -34  esu). The ultrafast optical response, significant NLO properties and thermal stability of the synthesized chalcones demonstrate their potential suitability in optical limiting and switching applications., 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.)

Novel styryl colorants based on anchoring methoxy with anthracene as a donor linked with various active methylene acceptor groups to derive a conjugated π-system along with push-pull geometry were synthesized and well characterized. Photophysical properties were studied in different polarity solvents. The impact of solvent polarizability is delivered in redshifts in absorption and emission spectra, in addition to enhancing the quantum yield. The benzoxazole and benzimidazole moieties in 4c and 4d demonstrated heat stability of more than 300 °C. Fluorescent intensity is directly proportional to the viscosity and 4a demonstrates a notable viscosity sensor through 1.36 fold increase in intensity. In comparison to other styryl dyes, 4c and 4d were shown to have higher values in DMSO for polarizability (53.3496 × 10 -24 esu and 53.7459 × 10 -24 esu) and first-order hyperpolarizability (86.3467 × 10 -30 esu and 89.1941 × 10 -30 esu) as well as second-order hyperpolarizability (1768.9121 × 10 -36 esu and 1740.6940 × 10 -36 esu) due to presence of heterocyclic character. NLO properties of all the styryl dyes 4a-4e are within the fundamental boundary limits. The 4d (benzoxazole) dye exhibited a small HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 2.8825 eV, whereas the 4b and 4e dyes had a larger band gap due to the presence of a carbonyl group., 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 B.V.)

1,4-Dialkylamino -5,8-dihydroxy anthraquinones are investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) for their growth inhibitory potential. The frontier molecular orbital shows that the electron density is located at the anthraquinone core and at the substituents NH and OH in both HOMO as well as in LUMO. The chemical potential and electrophilicity index showed a direct relation, while hardness and hyperhardness had an inverse association with an energy gap. The results of the molecular docking analysis revealed that the anthraquinone molecules have a high affinity for the primary targets of the DNA topoisomerase IIα enzyme. The docking results showed good binding ability with extremely energetically stable scores ranging from -8.9 to -7.6 kcal/mol. Electron correlation descriptors showed a direct link with NLO properties and toxicity.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the top ten leading causes of cancer-related death in India, with recent reports suggesting a rising incidence. Chronic HBV infection is still the commonest cause of HCC in India but the recent surge of MASLD and better control of viral hepatitis is already changing the epidemiology. Most HCC in India are diagnosed at an advanced stage where cure is impossible, and prognosis is poor. These factors force us to rethink strategies for surveillance and diagnosis of early stage HCC in India. Current guidelines including from INASL, suggest six-monthly surveillance using abdominal ultrasound (USG) with or without Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) testing. This strategy has several limitations, especially in patients with MASLD. Also, HCC surveillance is neither well-organized nor universally practiced in India. The current screening approach, therefore needs a radical change. The Japanese guidelines provide a template for a successful model for increasing the diagnosis of early HCC. Tumor markers like PIVKA II, and newer algorithms like the GALAD and the GAAD scores could refine the surveillance strategies in the coming years, as shown by emerging data from Thailand and China. Moving away from hospital-based imaging towards community-based use of blood markers and digital technology may be a potential solution to help reach at-risk populations. Healthcare economics and logistics will play a big part in implementation of a radical new strategy, and a nationwide chronic liver disease and HCC registry is needed to evaluate current practices, define populations at risk, and identify the best beneficiaries of surveillance in a resource-constrained setting like India. We also concurrently need to identify, upgrade or develop statewide centers of excellence to provide state-of-the-art integrated multidisciplinary care to patients who get diagnosed through surveillance pathways to actually improve patient outcomes., (© 2024 Indian National Association for Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.)

The alveolar mucous membrane, the gingiva, and the underlying bone are fixed to the lip and cheek by the frenum, a fold in the mucous membrane. The surgical process known as a frenectomy involves completely removing the frenum that connects it to the bone. Traditional frenectomy involves using a blade, while a more recent technique is frenectomy assisted by a laser. When the frenum has an atypical connection, a labial or lingual frenectomy is performed. In this instance, there is an abnormal frequency of attachment, which puts the patient's appearance, causing midline diastema and plaque control, at serious risk and could result in mucogingival impairment. This case study describes how diode laser therapy was used to successfully treat a female patient who was suffering from sensitivity., 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, Shirbhate et al.)

Tobacco use is markedly prevalent among individuals with schizophrenia, presenting significant challenges to their physical health and psychiatric treatment. This comprehensive review evaluates the impact of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) on tobacco cessation in this population. Schizophrenia, a chronic mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, is frequently accompanied by high rates of smoking, which exacerbates health risks and complicates treatment regimens. MET, a client-centered approach rooted in motivational interviewing, aims to enhance intrinsic motivation for behavior change through empathetic and non-confrontational therapeutic sessions. This review synthesizes evidence from clinical studies on MET's effectiveness in promoting smoking cessation among individuals with schizophrenia. The review highlights the therapy's strengths, including its adaptability and client-focused nature, which are particularly beneficial for addressing the unique challenges faced by this population. It also discusses the broader health benefits of smoking cessation, such as improved physical health and enhanced efficacy of psychiatric medications. Despite promising results, the review identifies limitations and challenges in applying MET, such as potential barriers to implementation and the need for further research. In conclusion, MET offers a valuable intervention for tobacco cessation in individuals with schizophrenia, with the potential to significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life. Future research should focus on optimizing MET strategies and exploring their broader impacts on this vulnerable population., 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, . et al.)

Nightmares are distressing dreams that evoke strong negative emotions, such as fear or anxiety, often leading to waking from sleep and subsequent sleep disruption. They are prevalent across various age groups, with significant psychological and physiological health implications. This review explores the nature of nightmares, distinguishing them from other sleep disturbances like night terrors and sleep paralysis. It examines the prevalence of nightmares in children and adults, highlighting their impact on mental health and daily functioning. The review also emphasizes the importance of addressing nightmares through effective treatment strategies. While pharmacological options are available, psychosocial interventions offer promising non-pharmacological solutions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT), and mindfulness-based therapies are discussed as key approaches for managing nightmares. These strategies focus on altering maladaptive thought patterns and emotional responses, reducing nightmares' frequency and intensity, and improving overall sleep quality. Psychosocial interventions provide a comprehensive approach to treating nightmares by addressing the underlying cognitive and emotional factors, benefitting individuals across different age groups. This review aims to highlight the efficacy of these strategies and their role in enhancing the quality of life for those affected by persistent nightmares., 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, Sahu et al.)

Postpartum psychosis (PP) is a rare and severe mental health disorder occurring shortly after childbirth, characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and intense mood swings. This review examines the potential link between PP and the later development of schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric condition that typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood. By reviewing existing literature and analyzing epidemiological and clinical data, this review aims to clarify whether PP can be a precursor to schizophrenia. Findings suggest that while the transition from PP to schizophrenia is not inevitable, there is an increased risk, with some studies indicating that a subset of women with PP may develop a chronic psychotic disorder later on. This underscores the importance of early detection, ongoing monitoring, and targeted interventions. The review emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic practices and preventive measures to better manage PP and its potential long-term effects. Enhanced understanding of this relationship can inform more effective treatment strategies and support better mental health outcomes for new mothers. Future research should focus on refining risk assessment tools, exploring underlying mechanisms, and developing comprehensive management approaches to address the challenges associated with PP and its potential progression to schizophrenia., 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, Kotla et al.)

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in mood, self-image, and interpersonal relationships, significantly impacting individuals' personal, social, and occupational functioning. Current treatment strategies primarily include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, but there remains a need for more effective and targeted pharmacological options. This review examines the therapeutic role of lamotrigine in BPD, focusing on its efficacy, safety, mechanisms of action, and practical treatment strategies. A comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted, including clinical trials, observational studies, and relevant pharmacological data. Key focus areas included lamotrigine's impact on BPD symptoms, pharmacological profile, and comparative effectiveness with other treatments. Lamotrigine has shown promise in managing BPD symptoms, particularly in stabilizing mood and reducing emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. Clinical trials suggest that lamotrigine can effectively address core symptoms of BPD, with a safety profile generally comparable to other treatments. The medication's mechanism of action, which involves modulation of glutamate release and mood stabilization, aligns with the therapeutic goals for BPD. Lamotrigine represents a potential adjunctive treatment for BPD, offering benefits in mood stabilization and symptom management. Integrating psychotherapy and other pharmacological options should be considered within a multimodal treatment approach. Further research is needed to better understand its long-term efficacy and safety and its role in combination therapy., 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, Ade et al.)

A 55-year-old male patient who had a history of schizophrenia for 20 years was admitted to the Department of Psychiatry, in a tertiary care center. The patient presented with an exacerbation of symptoms for three months, with no apparent cause, leading to the suspicion of an underlying organic cause. The patient was overweight, was newly diagnosed as a case of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and also had swelling over his left ear. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain and laboratory testing that were done while he was in the hospital revealed the existence of a partially empty sella. With the MRI findings, it can be said that the partially empty sella and the occurrence of schizophrenia can be related to each other. In the existing literature, a few studies indicate the correlation between the two, and future studies can help with identifying the association., 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, Girdhar et al.)

Valproic acid (VPA), or sodium valproate, is a frequently prescribed medication for many psychiatric conditions, notably for the management of bipolar affective disorder. While its common side effects are well known and thoroughly documented in medical literature, the occurrence of cataracts as a side effect is exceedingly rare. There is evidence of cataract formation with long-term use of VPA in a few studies. Recognizing this potential adverse effect is crucial. It is important to recommend that patients undergo regular eye examinations if they experience any visual disturbances or as a preventative measure to ensure effective management. This case report examines the unusual occurrence of cataract development associated with valproate use., 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, Sinha et al.)

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizures often present with similar clinical manifestations. This case report describes the diagnostic journey of a 24-year-old female initially diagnosed with PNES but later found to have myoclonic epilepsy upon comprehensive evaluation. The patient presented with recurrent episodes characterized by sudden loss of awareness, jerking movements, and urinary incontinence, often triggered by stressors. Initial assessment, including video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, did not reveal epileptiform activity, leading to the provisional diagnosis of PNES. However, the persistence of symptoms and doubts regarding the diagnosis prompted further investigation, which uncovered generalized spike-and-wave discharges on repeat EEG studies. The diagnosis of myoclonic epilepsy was established based on these findings, and treatment with valproate resulted in a significant reduction in seizure frequency. This case underscores the importance of a thorough evaluation in distinguishing between seizure disorders and psychogenic manifestations, emphasizing the need for collaborations between neurology and psychology disciplines for accurate diagnosis and management., 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, Ahmed et al.)

This case report presents the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of a 16-year-old female with elevated cortisol levels who was diagnosed with mania. The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with a manic episode, including extreme euphoria, decreased need for sleep, impulsivity, and heightened irritability. Laboratory investigations revealed an elevated morning cortisol level, prompting further psychiatric evaluation. A diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, manic episode, was made based on established criteria. The patient was initiated on mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications alongside psychoeducation for the patient and her family. This case underscores the potential association between cortisol dysregulation and mood disorders, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment approaches in adolescents with bipolar disorder. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking cortisol dysregulation and mood disturbances and explore novel therapeutic interventions targeting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction., 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, Ahmed et al.)

Delusional parasitosis (DP) with Koro-like syndrome poses a complex clinical challenge, demanding a comprehensive and empathetic approach from healthcare professionals. This exceptional combination of fixed beliefs about infestation and experiences of genital retraction can profoundly impact patients' well-being and daily functioning. The associated stigma and misconceptions further compound the difficulties faced by individuals struggling with these co-occurring conditions. Given the rarity of encountering both conditions simultaneously, navigating the diagnosis and treatment of delusional parasitosis with Koro-like syndrome requires a thorough understanding of its multifaceted nature. Embracing a holistic strategy encompassing psychoeducation, psychotherapy, and pharmacological interventions is essential for effectively addressing these dual conditions., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Sinha et al.)

This comprehensive review delves into the intricate journey of marijuana in India, tracing its historical and cultural significance from ancient times to the present day. Despite its deep-rooted presence in religious rituals, traditional medicine, and cultural festivities, marijuana faces stringent prohibition under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. This review critically examines the current legal framework, highlighting its societal impacts and limitations. Through an evidence-based analysis, it advocates for a reevaluation of marijuana laws to align with contemporary realities, promoting public health, social equity, and economic development. By envisioning a future of evidence-based regulation and innovation, India can unlock the full potential of marijuana as a "miracle crop" for the betterment of its people and society., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Bezalwar et al.)

Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Skin cancer is a pervasive and deadly disease, prompting a surge in research efforts towards utilizing computer-based techniques to analyze skin lesion images to identify malignancies. This paper introduces an optimized vision transformer approach for effectively classifying skin tumors. The methodology begins with a pre-processing step aimed at preserving color constancy, eliminating hair artifacts, and reducing image noise. Here, a combination of techniques such as piecewise linear bottom hat filtering, adaptive median filtering, Gaussian filtering, and an enhanced gradient intensity method is used for pre-processing. Afterwards, the segmentation phase is initiated using the self-sparse watershed algorithm on the pre-processed image. Subsequently, the segmented image is passed through a feature extraction stage where the hybrid Walsh-Hadamard Karhunen-Loeve expansion technique is employed. The final step involves the application of an improved vision transformer for skin cancer classification. The entire methodology is implemented using the Python programming language, and the International Skin Imaging Collaboration (ISIC) 2019 database is utilized for experimentation. The experimental results demonstrate remarkable performance with the different performance metrics is accuracy 99.81%, precision 96.65%, sensitivity 98.21%, F-measure 97.42%, specificity 99.88%, recall 98.21%, Jaccard coefficient 98.54%, and Mathew's correlation coefficient (MCC) 98.89%. The proposed methodology outperforms the existing methodology., (© 2023. International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering.)

This comprehensive review examines the intricate interplay between personality factors and alcohol use, shedding light on the dynamic relationship that shapes the initiation, progression, and outcomes of alcohol-related behaviors. The exploration encompasses vital personality traits such as sensation seeking, impulsivity, neuroticism, extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. The bidirectional nature of this association is underscored, emphasizing how personality influences and is influenced by alcohol consumption patterns. Protective personality factors, including resilience, emotional regulation, and social support, are identified as crucial elements in mitigating the risk of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The implications for clinical practice advocate for tailored interventions that address individual personality profiles, while policy considerations highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts that acknowledge the diverse ways individuals respond to alcohol use. Furthermore, a call for future research emphasizes emerging perspectives, improved methodologies, and ongoing exploration of intervention strategies to advance our understanding of this complex relationship and refine approaches for prevention and treatment. As we navigate this evolving field, the insights gleaned hold promise for shaping more compelling and nuanced interventions to address the diverse needs of individuals affected by AUDs., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Bezalwar et al.)

Conditions affecting the upper digestive system are often seen in clinical practice and are associated with a high rate of death and disability. Histopathological confirmation is one of the foundations for good treatment planning and the definite diagnosis of illnesses of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The numerous methods employed in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions have come a long way in the previous 25 years. The identification and diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions have been substantially aided by the development of endoscopy, endoscopic biopsy, and other surgical techniques. This research aimed to examine the variety of gastrointestinal tract (GI) lesions and to draw connections between the clinical and pathological manifestations of these conditions., Materials and Methods: A two-year cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, from June 2018 to May 2020, which included surgical specimens of 140 cases from the upper gastrointestinal tract, of which 111 cases were biopsy, and 29 cases were resected surgical specimens. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Furthermore, P values, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated., Results: This study was a two-year cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pathology during the period of June 2018-May 2020., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

This review critically examines the complex landscape of suicide within the geriatric population, defined as individuals aged 65 and older. By synthesizing existing research, we elucidate critical findings related to the prevalence, risk factors, and challenges associated with suicide in this demographic. Social isolation, mental health issues, and the intricate psychosocial dimensions of ageing emerge as pivotal factors contributing to the vulnerability of older individuals. The conclusion underscores a compelling call to action, urging collaborative efforts from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to implement targeted prevention strategies. Our vision for the future involves building a supportive and resilient community for the geriatric population, emphasizing age-friendly policies, robust social support networks, and destigmatizing mental health discussions. Through this comprehensive exploration, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of suicide in the geriatric population and inspire effective interventions that prioritize the well-being and dignity of older individuals., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Ahmed et al.)

This comprehensive review examines the intricate landscape of body image dissatisfaction (BID) in rural India, shedding light on the multifaceted factors influencing individual perceptions and societal expectations. Delving into cultural nuances, economic disparities, and gender-specific experiences, the study highlights the pervasive nature of BID across diverse age groups. Unveiling the complex interplay between BID and psychiatric co-morbidities, such as depression and anxiety, underscores the urgency of integrated mental health interventions. The review concludes with a resounding call to action for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities. It advocates for culturally sensitive mental health policies, targeted healthcare training, and community-driven initiatives to foster environments conducive to positive body image and mental well-being. By acknowledging these challenges and committing to collaborative solutions, this review aims to contribute to developing comprehensive strategies that address BID in rural India and pave the way for healthier and more resilient communities., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Sinha et al.)

Objectives: Antibiotics are the most commonly administered medications among pediatric patients. However most of the time, accurate dose administration to children becomes a problem due to the extremely bitter taste. Cefpodoxime proxetil (CP) and roxithromycin (ROX) are antibiotics often prescribed to the pediatric population and have a bitter taste. Marketed formulations of these drugs are dry suspension and/or tablets. The lyophilization method involves various steps and thus is time consuming and expensive. The objective of this study was to mask the bitter taste of CP and ROX without compromising the solubility and drug release profile compared to marketed formulations, as well as to overcome the disadvantages associated with the currently used lyophilization technique., Methods: Hot melt extrusion (HME) technology was used to process CP and ROX individually with Eudragit E PO polymer. The extrudates obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. The powdered extrudates were formulated as dispersible tablets and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo taste-masking efficiency., Results: The tablets prepared in this study showed comparable dissolution profiles but the taste-masking efficiency was significantly enhanced compared to the marketed tablets of CP and ROX. The results of in vivo human taste-masking evaluation were also in agreement with the in vitro taste-masking studies., Conclusion: The current work presents solvent-free, scalable, and continuous HME technology for addressing the bitter taste issues of CP and ROX. The disadvantages associated with the currently used lyophilization technique were overcome by developing the formulations using HME technology., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Background: Anemia is a worldwide problem with iron deficiency being the most common cause. When anemia occurs in pregnancy, it increases the risk of adverse maternal, fetal, and postnatal outcomes. It induces preterm births and low birth weight (LBW) deliveries, long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae, and an increased risk of earlier onset of postnatal iron deficiency. Anemia rates are among the highest in South Asia, and India's National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) for 2019-2021 indicated that over half of pregnant women, and more than 65% of children, in the country are classified as anemic (Sciences IIfP, National Family Health Survey-5, 2019-21, India Fact Sheet). In 2021, the parent RAPIDIRON Trial (Derman et al., Trials 22:649, 2021) was initiated in two states in India, with the goal of assessing whether a dose of intravenous (IV) iron given to anemic women during early pregnancy results in a greater proportion of participants with normal hemoglobin concentrations in the third trimester and a lower proportion of participants with LBW deliveries compared to oral iron. As a follow-up to the RAPIDIRON Trial, the RAPIDIRON-KIDS Study will follow the offspring of previously randomized mothers to assess, neurobehavioral, hematological, and health outcomes., Methods: This prospective observational cohort study will follow a subset of participants previously randomized as part of the RAPIDIRON Trial and their newborns. Study visits occur at birth, 6 weeks, 4 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months and include blood sample collection with both maternal and infant participants and specific neurobehavioral assessments conducted with the infants (depending on the study visit). The primary outcomes of interest are (1) infant iron status as indicated by both hemoglobin and ferritin (a) at birth and (b) at 4 months of age and (2) the developmental quotient (DQ) for the cognitive domain of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development Version IV (BSID-IV) at 24 months of age., Discussion: This RAPIDIRON-KIDS Study builds upon its parent RAPIDIRON Trial by following a subset of the previously randomized participants and their offspring through the first 3 years of life to assess neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral (infants, children), hematological, and health outcomes., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05504863 , Registered on 17 August 2022. Clinical Trials Registry - India CTRI/2022/05/042933 . Registered on 31 May 2022., (© 2023. The Author(s).)