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Abstract Mytella strigata, a potentially invasive species native to South America, is rapidly spreading across various aquatic ecosystems around the globe, posing a threat to native mussels. This study presents the first comprehensive de novo transcriptome assembly of M. strigata. We generated 254 million reads, which were processed and assembled using the Trinity assembler, resulting in 60362 transcripts with an N50 of 1,578 bp and over 93–98% completeness, as confirmed by BUSCO analysis with multiple ortho-datasets. A number of databases were used for functional annotation, including UniProt, KEGG, Reactome, InterPro, and eggNOG. Gene Ontology and pathway analyses identified transcripts associated with key biological processes, including those associated with cell signalling, metabolism, stress responses, cancer pathways, and immune regulation. This dataset enriches the bivalve database by advancing the understanding of the adaptive success and evolutionary resilience of this invasive species. The present study provides a fundamental framework for future research on the ecological and evolutionary impacts of this invasive species.

Abstract Introduction Data about impact of switch to dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in Asians are scarce. RV254/SEARCH010 is a prospective observational cohort in Bangkok, Thailand with ART initiation during acute HIV infection (AHI) where participants switched to DTG-based ART. Methods Participants started Efavirenz (EFV)-based ART during AHI (n = 214) and switched to DTG-based ART after a median of 97 weeks (IQR 61–145). GFR was estimated by serum creatinine (eGFRcre) every 24 weeks before and after switch. Estimated GFR by cystatin C (eGFRcystC) was ordered at clinician’s discretion for decreased eGFRcre after switch. Random-effect linear regression model was used to assess changes in eGFRcre over 96 weeks from starting ART, and from switching to DTG. Results At study entry, 20 participants (9.3%) had eGFRcre

Abstract Mussels, particularly Perna viridis, are vital sentinel species for toxicology and biomonitoring in environmental health. This species plays a crucial role in aquaculture and significantly impacts the fisheries sector. Despite the ecological and economic importance of this species, its omics resources are still scarce. We generated a gill-specific reference transcriptome for Perna viridis using 292 million short Illumina reads from eight pooled gill tissue samples isolated from twenty-four individuals. The Trinity assembler generated 438,842 transcripts with an N50 of 1,958 bp. Several databases were employed in the annotation process. This dataset greatly expands the omics resources of bivalve databases and advances our knowledge of transcriptomics, molecular biology, environmental toxicology, and cancer research.

Abstract Automatic Sign Language Recognition Systems (ASLR) offers smooth communication between hearing-impaired and normal-hearing individuals, enhancing educational opportunities for impaired. However, it struggles with “curse of dimensionality” due to excessive features resulting in prolonged training time and exhaustive computational demand. This paper proposes technique that integrates machine learning and swarm intelligence to effectively address this issue. The proposed technique, initially, extracts features using histrogram of gradient (HOG) approach and then reduces dimensions of extracted features using unsupervised autoencoder and subsequently refining the feature set with an improved GWO algorithm. A handcrafted artificial neural network serves as the classifier within this integrated framework, denoted as AEGWO-Net. Exhaustive experimentations were conducted on six different datasets namely ASL, ASL MNIST, ISL, ArSL, MNIST Digits, and IEEE-ISL containing gestures of different languages to demonstrate the performance of AEGWO-Net. The AEGWO-Net demonstrates superior performance improving accuracy and F1 score by 6% and 4% respectively compared to PCA-IGWO and KPCA-IGWO algorithms. Achieving high accuracy (98.40%), F1-score (96.59%), MCC (97.14%), and AUC (96.21%) indicates the robustness and generalizability of the AEGWO-Net method even with reduced dimensionality. Furthermore, a comparison between AEGWO-Net with other existing swarm intelligence techniques is also made to demonstrate its superiority.

Aim: Odontogenesis is a complex and highly regulated biological process that involves a range of molecular mechanisms. Among these, Ki67 and Cyclin D1 are crucial cell cycle regulators that play pivotal roles in controlling cell proliferation during tooth development. This study aims to provide detailed insights into the expression patterns and functional significance of Ki67 and Cyclin D1 in tooth development. Through rigorous analysis, we seek to elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying tooth development, helping to advance our understanding of this vital biological process. Materials & methods: The procurement of rabbit tooth germ was performed only after obtaining the requisite ethical clearance. Subsequently, the tissues were processed and subjected to Hematoxylin and Eosin staining to facilitate enhanced visualization of the overall tissue architecture and organization & immunohistochemical staining of Ki-67 and Cyclin D1 was performed. Results: In the tooth germ, cyclin D1 demonstrated intense staining in the dental papilla, especially in the membrana preformativa, with this intensity decreasing following predentin formation. Odontoblasts showed mild staining as they transitioned from pre-odontoblasts, which further diminished after dentin formation. Both the dental papilla and differentiating odontoblasts were positive for Ki67, though Ki67 staining in the odontoblasts reduced after dentin formation. Conclusion: In conclusion, the membrana preformativa plays a key role in odontogenesis, as indicated by its involvement in cellular proliferation and differentiation during tooth development.

Introduction: Enamel translucency, essential for the aesthetic appeal of teeth, is primarily determined by its thickness, quality, and refractive index. Several factors, including age, genetics, diet, oral hygiene practices, fluoride exposure, and acidic challenges, can influence enamel translucency. Tobacco use, in particular, leads to significant alterations in enamel appearance by penetrating its micropores, causing yellowing and browning. Prolonged exposure to tobacco results in demineralization, increasing enamel porosity and reducing its translucency. Over time, this exposure leads to permanent discoloration and structural degradation, rendering teeth dull and opaque. To assess these changes, various methods such as visual examinations, digital photography, spectrophotometry, stylus profilometry, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are utilized. Materials and methods: This study analyzed human enamel samples, including one unstained sample (Grade 0) and three tobacco-stained samples (Grades 1–3) according to Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI), to investigate the impact of tobacco exposure on enamel structure. The samples were thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure accurate results. High-resolution AFM imaging was employed to assess surface roughness, porosity, and microstructural changes induced by tobacco staining. A stylus profilometer was used to trace the surface topography, providing detailed measurements of surface irregularities. Additionally, a spectrophotometer was utilized to evaluate the optical properties of the enamel, focusing on changes in translucency and light absorption due to tobacco exposure. Results: AFM analysis revealed a clear progression of enamel surface roughness from Grade 0 to Grade 3. The Sa and Sq values increased significantly with the severity of tobacco staining, indicating greater surface degradation. The stylus profilometer data corroborated these findings, with rising Ra values as the degree of staining intensified, highlighting the topographical alterations caused by tobacco exposure. Spectrophotometric analysis further demonstrated a decrease in enamel reflectance and an increase in light absorption from mild to severe staining, underscoring the detrimental optical effects of tobacco on enamel. Conclusion: The combined use of AFM, stylus profilometry, and spectrophotometry provided a comprehensive assessment of the impact of tobacco staining on enamel translucency and surface roughness. The findings show that as staining severity increases, enamel translucency diminishes, and surface roughness worsens. These alterations not only affect the aesthetic appearance of teeth but also have potential implications for enamel functionality and long-term oral health.

The Devanagari script originated from the ancient Brahmi script and is a widely used Indic script for writing different languages, like Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Nepali, and Konkani. Recognizing handwritten Devanagari characters poses significant challenges due to their complexity and handwriting variability. This literature review examines the evolution of handwritten Devanagari character recognition (HDCR), exploring early template matching and feature extraction methods that struggled with the script’s intricacy. Advances introduced structural and statistical techniques, improving accuracy by analyzing geometric properties and patterns. The advent of machine learning, particularly deep learning, revolutionized HDCR with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), significantly enhancing performance. Hybrid approaches that combine multiple techniques have shown promising results, balancing accuracy and computational complexity. Challenges remain, including handwriting variability, noise, and the need for real-time performance. The lack of large, diverse datasets for training and evaluation is a significant hurdle. This review highlights efforts to create annotated datasets and benchmarks, providing a comprehensive overview of HDCR methodologies, strengths, limitations, and future research directions. These insights aim to advance HDCR, contributing to more accurate and efficient recognition systems and enhancing digital text processing for linguistic, educational, and archival purposes.

Abstract Background The oral cavity is a complex environment which harbours the second largest and most diverse microflora after the gastrointestinal tract. The bacteriome in the oral cavity plays a pivotal role in promoting the health and well-being of human beings. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gingival tissue, arises due to plaque accumulation on the teeth, often leads to periodontitis. Progression of periodontitis resulting in clinical attachment loss, bone loss and eventually the tooth loss is poorly understood. The present study explores the transitions in microbioata, oxidative stress and polyamine levels during the disease evolution which can contribute to developing effective therapeutic approaches. Methods Saliva samples were collected from seventy-two individuals after procuring informed consent who were either healthy, gingivitis or stage-specific periodontitis patients. Periodontitis stage was confirmed by clinical and radiographic analysis. Microbiota analysis was carried out by 16S rRNA sequencing on the Nanopore PromethIONsystem platform of Oxford Nanopore technologies. Polyamine levels were quantified with fluorescence spectrophotometer. Ornithine decarboxylase quantification was evaluated by ELISA method. Antioxidant levels of the salivary samples were measured by DPPH, SOD, and catalase assays. Autophagy was measured by acid phosphatase assay. Result The salivary microbiota exhibited significant changes in their abundance and diversity between healthy individuals and those with conditions such as gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis. A significant increase in polyamines and ornithine decarboxylase was found in gingivitis and various stages of periodontitis. Elevated oxidative stress observed in gingivitis and periodontitis could have resulted in cell death. Conclusion The current study shows the role of salivary microbiota and polyamines in gingivitis and different periodontitis stages. The progressive elevation of Streptococcus levels from gingivitis to periodontitis, coupled with polyamine concentrations, may serve as a promising identification marker for assessing the severity of periodontal disease. Insight into the oral bacterial flora and associated physiological changes provide a foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions in gingivitis and periodontitis diseases emphasising the importance of personalised oral health management strategies.

Introduction: Breastfeeding has important positive long-term health consequences for infants and their mothers. Assessing breastfeeding in the early postnatal period, prior to discharge, is crucial for successful breastfeeding. LATCH (Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort and Hold) score can be used to categorise mothers with poor breastfeeding scores and counsel them to prevent early breastfeeding cessation. Aim: To identify breastfeeding problems using the LATCH score and to assess the impact of lactation counselling among postnatal mothers. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, ACSR Government Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, from June 2023 to December 2023. The study included 400 healthy term and singleton babies. LATCH scores were assessed at 6-12 hours after delivery. Mothers with breastfeeding problems were identified, corrected and counselled. The LATCH scores were reassessed again after 24-48 hours. Data were statistically analysed using Chi-square test. The p-value

Abstract The Indian scad, Decapterus russelli is one of the most exploited pelagic resources of India. Population genetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear markers indicated a lack of genetic structuring among populations from Indian waters. As this species is highly migratory, it is also important to establish the environmental influence on its population structure. In the present study, the whole sagittal otolith composition was analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to assess spatial distribution of D. russelli collected from 4 sites along the Indian coast. Elemental ratios (Ba/Ca, Fe/Ca, K/Ca, Mg/Ca, Na/Ca, Sr/Ca and Zn/Ca) were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistics to determine whether this chemical signature can provide insight into the adaptive patterns. All element/Ca ratios are found to be significantly different between the four sampling locations (ANOVA, p

Abstract Development of an efficacious universal influenza vaccines remains a long-sought goal. Current vaccines have shortfalls such as mid/low efficacy and needing yearly strain revisions to account for viral drift/shift. Horses undergo bi-annual vaccines for the H3N8 equine influenza virus, and surveillance of sera from vaccinees demonstrated very broad reactivity and neutralization to many influenza strains. Subsequently, vaccinating mice using the equine A/Kentucky/1/1991 strain or recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) induced similar broadly reactive and neutralizing antibodies to seasonal and high pathogenicity avian influenza strains. Challenge of vaccinated mice protected from lethal virus challenges across H1N1 and H3N2 strains. This protection correlated with neutralizing antibodies to the HA head, esterase, and stem regions. Vaccinated ferrets were also protected after challenge with H1N1 influenza A/07/2009 virus using whole viral or HA. These data suggest that equine H3N8 induces broad protection against multiple influenzas using a unique antigen that diverges from other universal vaccine approaches.

Abstract Maintaining optimal fluid balance is crucial for patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis, as both fluid overload and excess removal can lead to poor outcomes. Traditional approaches such as physical exam and chest X-ray have limitations when assessing volume status. This review carefully examines the tools that provide more precise options, including lung ultrasound, echocardiography, Venous Excess Ultrasound (VEXUS), bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and passive leg raise (PLR). We discuss the principles, supporting evidence, and practical uses of these techniques differentiating between static and dynamic methods to evaluate ultrafiltration tolerance. By integrating these modern techniques with clinical judgment, nephrologists can optimize fluid management in dialysis patients. While these tools show promise, further research is needed to establish standardized protocols and evaluate their impact on patient-centered outcomes.

Abstract Dysregulated pH is now recognised as a hallmark of cancer. Recent evidence has revealed that the endosomal pH regulator Na+/H+ exchanger NHE9 is upregulated in colorectal cancer to impose a pseudo-starvation state associated with invasion, highlighting an underexplored mechanistic link between adaptive endosomal reprogramming and malignant transformation. In this study, we use a model that quantitatively captures the dynamics of the core regulatory network governing epithelial mesenchymal plasticity. The model recapitulated NHE9-induced calcium signalling and the emergence of migratory phenotypes in colorectal cancer cells. Model predictions were compared with patient data and experimental results from RNA sequencing analysis of colorectal cancer cells with stable NHE9 expression. Mathematical analyses identified that tumours leverage elevated NHE9 levels to delay the transition of cells to a mesenchymal state and allow for metastatic progression. Ectopic expression of NHE9 is sufficient to induce loss of epithelial nature but does not fully couple with gain of mesenchymal state, resulting in a hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal population with increased aggressiveness and metastatic competence. Higher NHE9 expression is associated with cancer cell migration, and the effect appears to be independent of hypoxia status. Our data suggests that alterations in endosomal pH, an evolutionarily conserved starvation response, may be hijacked by colorectal cancer cells to drive phenotypic plasticity and invasion. We propose that cancer cells rewire their endosomal pH not only to meet the demands of rapid cell proliferation, but also to enable invasion, metastasis, and cell survival. Endosomal pH may be an attractive therapeutic target for halting tumour progression.

Abstract The concept of spatiotemporal correlation, initially rooted in the domain of physics, has increasingly become of interest to scholars across various fields. This burgeoning interest is especially noted within the realm of human dynamics, where the examination of human behavior’s spatiotemporal aspects is emerging. The exploration into the nuanced ways in which human actions intertwine with geographical contexts is paramount. This paper delves into the Time-Space Characteristic Correlation of Human Behavior (TSCH) model, a pioneering framework that melds the intricacies of human behavior with geographic considerations through a micro-dynamic approach to population strategy, employing the mean-field limit method. This study scrutinizes the spatiotemporal dynamics of individual travel behaviors, focusing on specific traits such as sudden increases in activity (paroxysm B), behavioral memory (M), and the radius of gyration (Rg). The stability of these behavioral waves is evaluated through the application of the “db4” wavelet basis function, revealing stable fluctuations in population travel patterns that resonate deeply with regional characteristics. The model enables the computation of the overall cost burden of area visits for local residents, uncovering a power-law correlation between this cost and the spatial attractiveness of urban centers when analyzed at a collective level. Our findings underscore a profound linkage between the temporal and spatial patterns of human behavior at the urban scale. Furthermore, the TSCH model’s advancement facilitates a nuanced understanding of complex social issues, including urban development, public health management, and transportation systems optimization, offering valuable insights for sociological inquiry and practical application in addressing contemporary societal challenges.

Background and Objectives: Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP) refers to specific behaviors or minor deficits in social/communication skills not meeting the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The BAP Questionnaire (BAPQ) measures aloof personality (AP), rigid personality (RP), and pragmatic language (PL) deficits of BAP. The study objective is to translate and validate BAPQ into Malayalam, a South Indian language, and to establish new cut-off scores for detecting BAP in the Indian population. Methods: BAPQ was translated into Malayalam (BAPQ-M), following which it was tested for reliability and internal consistency and factor analysis was conducted in 40 parents of ASD and neurotypical children. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis generated new cut-off scores. Results: The content validity index was ≥ 0.8 for each item. For the self and informant versions, Cronbach’s α was 0.753 and 0.807, respectively, while Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.953 (P < 0.001) and 0.918 (P < 0.001). The items demonstrated good communality (0.532–0.870), and on factor rotation, 12 components had eigenvalues > 1, which explained 72.3% of the total variance. The new cut-off scores for total estimate, AP, RP, and PL subscales were 2.60 (sensitivity 0.825; specificity 0.575; odds ratio [OR] 6.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.28–17.84; P < 0.001), 2.60 (sensitivity 0.60; specificity 0.75; OR 4.50, 95% CI 1.73–11.70; P 0.002), 2.90 (sensitivity 0.8; specificity 0.475; OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.342–9.77; P 0.011), and 2.70 (sensitivity 0.5; specificity 0.825; OR 4.71, 95% CI 1.69–13.13; P 0.003), respectively. Conclusions: BAPQ-M has good psychometric properties for determining the presence of BAP among the people of Kerala, a South Indian state.

Context: Although proven effective in solid cancers, there is a dearth of evidence-based studies supporting yoga as an intervention to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients with lymphoma. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a remotely supervised, home-based yoga intervention to improve HRQOL for lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy. Settings: This project was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. Methodology: Experts in lymphoma, yoga, psychiatry, and nursing collaborated to formulate the intervention. Following a comprehensive literature review and stakeholder consultations, the intervention, named “Yoga Therapy” for patients with lymphoma, was developed. It included counseling regarding the benefits of yoga, a video and booklet on yoga, practical yoga sessions, telephonic support, regular follow-ups, random and need-based re-demonstrations, and adherence charts. The feasibility and safety of the intervention were assessed through a pilot study. Results: The developed intervention was found feasible, effective, and safe to be conducted during the pilot study. Reasonable adjustments were made in the final intervention to address individual needs, lymphoma burden, and other patient-specific concerns. Conclusion: The developed intervention was explicitly developed for patients with lymphoma during chemotherapy and seemed to be appropriate for its effectiveness testing during a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Griselimycin, a cyclic depsidecapeptide produced by Streptomyces griseus, is a promising lead inhibitor of the sliding clamp component of bacterial DNA polymerases (β-subunit of Escherichia coli DNA pol III). It was previously shown to inhibit the Mycobacterium tuberculosis β-clamp with remarkably high affinity and selectivity – the peptide lacks any interaction with the human sliding clamp. Here, we used a structural genomics approach to address the prospect of broader-spectrum inhibition, in particular of β-clamps from Gram-negative bacterial targets. Fifteen crystal structures of β-clamp orthologs were solved, most from Gram-negative bacteria, including eight cocrystal structures with griselimycin. The ensemble of structures samples widely diverse β-clamp architectures and reveals unique protein-ligand interactions with varying degrees of complementarity. Although griselimycin clearly co-evolved with Gram-positive β-clamps, binding affinity measurements demonstrate that the high selectivity observed previously extends to the Gram-negative orthologs, with K D values ranging from 7 to 496 nM for the wild-type orthologs considered. The collective results should aid future structure-guided development of peptide antibiotics against β-clamp proteins of a wide variety of bacterial targets.

Background. Age-related changes in anthropometric indices and their association with cardiometabolic health markers are crucial for understanding health risks in adult men. Objectives. The study aimed to assess age-related variations in anthropometric indices and their correlation with health markers, highlighting potential cardiometabolic health risks in adult men. Materials and methods. A total of 200 men, aged 26 to 50 years, from Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), India, were sampled using a multistage random sampling technique and divided into 5 age groups, each including 40 individuals. This study examined variations in body measurements such as the hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and neck circumference (NC) across different age groups, as well as their relationship to health markers like HbA1c and lipid profile. Anthropometric measurements were taken in a standardized environment, and blood samples were taken under fasting conditions for lipid profile and HbA1c measurement. With SPSS software, descriptive statistics, a one-way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. Results. Significant age-related differences were found in NC and WC, with NC increasing from 39.61 ± 2.53 cm to 41.20 ± 2.63 cm and WC rising from 89.68 ± 12.08 cm to 98.80 ± 9.90 cm, indicating a trend toward central obesity. BMI and HC showed no considerable variation across age groups. A one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in NC (F = 3.586, p = 0.008) and WC (F = 6.020, p = 0.005). Pearson’s correlations indicated that NC, BMI, and WC were positively correlated with triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels (p < 0.05), while no notable correlations were observed for HbA1c. Conclusions. The study underscores the existence of significant age-related increases in NC and WC, suggesting heightened risks of abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic health issues in older men. Monitoring these anthropometric indices is vital for the early detection of health risks in adult males.

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a very rare tumour arising from the vulvovaginal mesenchymal tissue. The literature has not reported its co-existence with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). A 30-year-old female presented with a giant pedunculated mass arising from a scarred and disfigured perineum for 3 years. On examination, a giant mass of size 20 × 20 cm was hanging over the scarred and disfigured vulva. The clinical possibilities of AA, leiomyoma or angiomyofibroblastoma over the scars of HS were considered. The histopathological examination of the mass revealed the features of AA, and perineal lesion biopsy was suggestive of HS. The patient was managed with surgical excision of the AA along with oral antibiotics for HS.

DENV belongs to the Flaviviridae family and possesses a single-stranded RNA genome of positive polarity. DENV infection manifests in mild subclinical forms or severe forms that may be dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Despite a lot of effort worldwide, the exact mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of severe DENV infection remains elusive. It is believed that both host and viral factors contribute to the outcome of dengue disease. The host factors are age at the time of infection, sex, nutrition, and immune status, including the presence of pre-existing antibodies or reactive T cells. Viral factors include the serotype, genotype, and mutation(s) due to error-prone RNA-dependent polymerase leading to the development of quasispecies. Accumulating bodies of literature have depicted that DENV has many ways to invade and escape the immune system of the host. These invading strategies are directed to overcome innate and adaptive immune responses. Like other viruses, once the infection is established, the host also mounts a series of antiviral responses to combat and eliminate the virus replication. Nevertheless, DENV has evolved a variety of mechanisms to evade the immune system. In this review, we have emphasized the strategies that DENV employs to hijack the host innate (interferon, IFN; toll-like receptors, TLR; major histocompatibility complex, MHC; autophagy; complement; apoptosis; RNAi) and adaptive (antibody-dependent enhancement, ADE; T cell immunity) immune responses, which contribute to the severity of DENV disease.

Introduction: Almost 85% of women suffer from perineal trauma during vaginal birth, which can have long-term consequences. Anogenital Distance (AGD) is a novel and useful parameter for predicting perineal tears during vaginal delivery. Aim: To determine the accuracy and cut-off values of AGD in predicting ≥2nd degree perineal tears. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at GTB Hospital, New Delhi, India, from January 2021 to April 2022, including 80 patients in group 1 and 80 in group 2. Group 1 consisted of patients who experienced ≥2nd degree perineal tears during vaginal delivery, while group 2 included patients with an intact perineum or up to 1st degree tears. Anthropometric data such as Anus to Clitoris Distance (AGDac) and Anus to Fourchette Distance (AGDaf) (anus to fourchette distance), as well as labour parameters like foetal position, duration of the second stage, induction of labour and birth weight, were noted. Receiver Operating Curves (ROC) were plotted to obtain cut-off values for AGDac and AGDaf in predicting ≥2st degree perineal tears. Unpaired t-tests and Chi-square tests were used to compare quantitative and qualitative parameters, respectively. Results: The mean AGDac (75.99 vs. 77.05) and AGDaf (33.50 vs. 34.52) were lower in group 1 compared to group 2. AGDaf (75%) showed better sensitivity for predicting ≥2st degree perineal tears and anal sphincter injury compared to AGDac (60%). The specificity of AGDaf (55%) was better for predicting ≥2st degree perineal tears, while AGDac (51%) was more specific for sphincter injury. Foetal head position (p=0.016) and birth weight (p=0.002) were identified as the strongest risk factors for tears. Group 1 patients reported more bowel (25% vs. 10%) and prolapse symptoms (11.5% vs. 3.75%) compared to group 2 patients at six weeks postpartum. Conclusion: Perineal length, as measured antenatally by AGD (both AGDac and AGDaf), is useful in predicting the occurrence of perineal tears during vaginal delivery. If found to be short, obstetricians can exercise greater caution during delivery, potentially reducing the incidence of anal sphincter injuries and their long-term consequences.

Background: Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible material widely used in biomedical applications. Recent studies have explored various marine sources for HAP synthesis, demonstrating its potential for diverse applications. Objective: This study aims to compare the characteristics of hydroxyapatite synthesized from sea shells and fish bones, specifically from the shells of Scylla olivacea (orange mud crab) and bones of Eleutheronema tetradactylum (fourfinger threadfin). Materials & methods: HAP was synthesized from Scylla olivacea shells and Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. The synthesized HAP underwent comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis, hemocompatibility testing, antibacterial assays, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Results: SEM revealed a complex structure of HAP with a clustered arrangement and biofilm-like features. HAP derived from crab shells exhibited superior structural properties compared to that from fish bones. Both sources demonstrated good hemocompatibility, essential for biomedical applications. The antibacterial assays indicated effective antibacterial properties for both HAP sources, with crab shell-derived HAP showing slightly better performance. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of key elements necessary for HAP, with a consistent composition in both sources. Conclusion: Our study concludes that hydroxyapatite derived from Scylla olivacea shells exhibits superior properties compared to that from Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. This research establishes a precedent for future investigations into other marine species, thereby broadening the scope and potential of hydroxyapatite synthesis from natural sources.

Abstract Lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a histone demethylase that plays a critical role in epigenetic regulation by removing the methyl group from mono- and di-methylated lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4me1/2), acting as a repressor of gene expression. Recently, catalytically independent functions of LSD1, serving as a scaffold for assembling chromatin-regulator and transcription factor complexes, have been identified. Herein, we show for the first time that LSD1 interacts with chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). To further investigate the CHD7–LSD1 crosstalk, we engineered Chd7 and Chd7/Lsd1 knockout (KO) mouse ESCs. We show that CHD7 is dispensable for ESC self-renewal and survival, while Chd7 KO ESCs can differentiate towards embryoid bodies (EBs) with defective expression of ectodermal markers. Intriguingly, Chd7/Lsd1 double KO mouse ESCs exhibit proliferation defects similar to Lsd1 KO ESCs and have lost the capacity to differentiate properly. Furthermore, the increased co-occupancy of H3K4me1 and CHD7 on chromatin following Lsd1 deletion suggests that LSD1 is required for facilitating the proper binding of CHD7 to chromatin and regulating differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that LSD1 and CHD7 work in concert to modulate gene expression and influence proper cell fate determination.

Abstract Cephalopods have dominated the oceans for hundreds of millions of years and are unquestionably at the peak of molluscan evolution. The development of the large brain and a well-sophisticated sensory system contributed significantly to its success. Therefore, it is considered the best example of convergent evolution and attracted the attention of scientists from various disciplines of biology. The aim of the present study is to construct a reference transcriptome in the Indian squid Uroteuthis duvaucelii to gain insights into cephalopod evolution and enrich the existing cephalopod database. Around 72 million short Illumina reads were generated from five different tissues, including the brain, eye, gill, heart and gonads, and assembled using the Trinity assembler. About 26230 protein-coding sequences were annotated from the assembled transcripts. The BUSCO completeness of the assembly was 71.71% compared to the Mollusca_Odb10 gene set. KEGG and REACTOME pathway analyzes revealed that U. duvaucelii shares many genes and pathways with higher vertebrates.

Abstract Background Gabapentin and pregabalin were originally introduced as anticonvulsant medications but are now also prescribed on- and off-label for multiple medical disorders, especially for pain management. The national opioid crisis has led to increased use of non-opioid pain medications, including gabapentinoids, which has been associated with changing patterns of adverse events associated with these medications. This study investigated the characteristics and trends of gabapentin and pregabalin exposures reported to US poison centers from 2012 to 2022. Methods National Poison Data System data involving gabapentin and pregabalin exposures for 2012 to 2022 were analyzed. Results There were 124,161 exposures involving gabapentin and pregabalin as the primary substance reported to US poison centers during the study period. Most exposures involved gabapentin (85.9%), females (59.4%), single-substance exposures (62.9%), or occurred at a residence (97.2%). Suspected suicides accounted for 45.2% of exposures. Most exposures were associated with a minor effect (27.4%) or no effect (34.0%), while 22.1% experienced a serious medical outcome, including 96 fatalities. The rate of gabapentin and pregabalin exposures per one million US population increased by 236.1% from 22.7 in 2012 to 76.5 in 2019 (P

Introduction: Psoriasis is a prevalent, long-lasting inflammatory skin condition characterised by various clinical manifestations and arising from the interaction of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. It has been found to be associated with several medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, Cardiovascular (CV) diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Aim: To compare the Electrocardiographic P Wave Dispersion (PWD) in individuals with and without psoriasis and to correlate PWD with the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study comparing the electrocardiographic PWD in 30 patients with psoriasis to that of 30 age- and gender-matched subjects without psoriasis who attended Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India, during a period of one year (February 2021 to January 2022). A structured questionnaire was used to record history and examination findings. A 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed on study participants from both groups in a supine position following 15 minutes of rest. Categorical and quantitative variables were expressed as frequency (percentage) and mean±SD, respectively. The Karl Pearson test was used to find correlations. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Ten (33.3%) patients belonged to the age group of 41-50 years. The duration of the disease ranged from six months to 21 years. Seventeen (56.7%) patients had a PASI score between 10-20, and 5 (16.7%) patients had a PASI score of less than 10. The maximum value of the P wave and PWD was higher in the case group and was statistically significant (p≤0.001 and p≤0.001, respectively). A statistically significant correlation was found between the severity of psoriasis and PWD (r=0.564, p≤0.001) and between the duration of psoriasis and PWD (r=0.372, p=0.04) in this study. Conclusion: PWD was found to be higher in psoriasis patients, with a significant correlation between PWD and both the severity and duration of the disease. Therefore, ECG should be considered as a screening test for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in all psoriasis patients.

Abstract Extended reality (XR) technologies are emerging as promising platforms for medical training and procedural guidance, particularly in complex cardiac interventions. This paper presents a high-fidelity methodology to perform real-time 3D catheter tracking and visualization during simulated cardiac interventions. A custom 3D-printed setup with mounted cameras enables biplane video capture of a catheter. A computer vision algorithm processes the biplane images in real-time to reconstruct the 3D catheter trajectory represented by any designated number of points along its length. This method accurately localizes the catheter tip within 1 mm and can reconstruct any arbitrary catheter configuration. The tracked catheter data is integrated into an interactive Unity-based scene rendered on the Meta Quest 3 headset. The visualization seamlessly combines a reconstructed 3D patient-specific heart model with the dynamically tracked catheter, creating an immersive extended reality training environment. Our experimental study, involving six participants, demonstrated that the 3D visualization provided by the proposed XR system significantly outperformed 2D visualization in terms of speed and user experience. This suggests that the XR system has the potential to enhance catheterization training by improving spatial comprehension and procedural skills. The proposed system demonstrates the potential of XR technologies to transform percutaneous cardiac interventions through improved visualization and interactivity.

Abstract Introduction While research has examined the connections between sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms in general, no studies focused on undergraduate medical students in Nepal have specifically tested the complex relationship between these factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the interaction between smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms among undergraduate medical students of Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 undergraduate medical students at Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 via the bootstrap model approach. Results Out of the total participants, 67.9% were male. Males showed higher scores in smartphone addiction and depressive symptoms than females (b = 5.3, Bca 95% CI:1.2, 9.1, p

Abstract Odontogenic tumors are a group of tumors that originate from the tissues associated with tooth development and are classified into benign or malignant based on their behavior and characteristics. Tumor markers are substances that can be found in the blood, urine, or tissues of individuals with cancer. They are the substances produced either by tumor cells itself or by the body in response to tumor growth, can sometimes be used in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of various types of tumors. However, the use of tumor markers in odontogenic tumors is not as common as it is in other types of cancers, and their utility in this context is limited. Tumor markers are not the main tools for diagnosing cancer; instead, they serve as supplementary laboratory tests to aid in the diagnosis. Researchers continue to investigate potential biomarkers to improve our understanding of these tumors and their behavior. With this concept in mind, the objective of this study is to elucidate the key diagnostic markers essential for diagnosing odontogenic tumors.

Introduction: Due to various anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy, women are more prone to develop Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), which may progress to involve the upper urinary tract resulting in acute pyelonephritis, or may involve the lower tract resulting in acute cystitis. Aim: To study Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB) in antenatal cases and to isolate, identify, and establish the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the pathogens responsible for ASB. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2020 on 363 antenatal cases attending Obstetrics Outpatient Department (OPD) in RNT Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The samples were processed within one hour of collection and tested (samples were cultured, and Gram’s staining and wet mount were done) for the presence of significant ASB and the sensitivity pattern of the isolates. The statistical analysis of the variables was assessed using the odds ratio and a p-value

Abstract Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) allows for the use of non-desalted sea sand as a fine aggregate, but the durability of triple mix SCC with partial sea sand replacement remains unclear. To optimize binder and fine aggregate replacements, tests for consistency, setting times, soundness, compressive strength, and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity were performed. Six SCC variations, incorporating 30 $$\%$$ % Class F Fly Ash (FA), 5 $$\%$$ % Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), and various fine aggregate combinations, were evaluated for their fresh, mechanical, microstructural, and durability properties. Results demonstrated that SCC with 50 $$\%$$ % sea sand and 50 $$\%$$ % manufactured sand achieved superior 90 $$^{th}$$ th day compressive strength. This improvement was attributed to accelerated cement setting and enhanced FA reactivity, leading to better hydration products. Microstructural analysis revealed more hydration products and fewer pores in specimens with 50 $$\%$$ % sea sand, due to the disconnected pore structure from Friedel’s salt formation. Chloride binding in concrete involves both chemical and physical mechanisms. Chemical binding is related to Friedel’s salt, while physical binding depends on Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) content. Dense C-S-H formation from sea sand, confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, results in greater chloride binding. Additionally, aluminum oxide in FA and GGBS enhances chemical binding by forming Friedel’s salt.

Abstract Background Salmonella, a foodborne pathogen, possesses a type I-E clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) system. We investigated the system’s role in regulating Salmonella virulence by deleting the CRISPR arrays and Cas operon. Results Our study demonstrates invasion and proliferation defects of CRISPR-Cas knockout strains in intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages owing to the repression of invasion and virulence genes. However, proliferation defects were not observed in the Gp91phox−/− macrophages, suggesting the system’s role in the pathogens’ antioxidant defense. We deduced that the CRISPR-Cas system positively regulates H2O2 importer (OmpW), catalase (katG), peroxidase (ahpC), and superoxide dismutase (soda and sodCI), thereby protecting the cells from oxidative radicals. The knockout strains were attenuated in in-vivo infection models (Caenorhabditis elegans and BALB/c mice) due to hypersensitivity against antimicrobial peptides, complement proteins, and oxidative stress. The attenuation in virulence was attributed to the suppression of LPS modifying (pmr) genes, antioxidant genes, master regulators, and effectors of the SPI-1 (invasion) and SPI-2 (proliferation) islands in knockout strains. The regulation could be attributed to the partial complementarity of the CRISPR spacers with these genes. Conclusions Overall, our study extends our understanding of the role of the CRISPR-Cas system in Salmonella pathogenesis and its virulence determinants.

Abstract In this paper, we study a non-minimal gauged U 1 L μ − L τ $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$ model, where we add two complex singlet scalars, three right-handed Majorana neutrinos (RHN), and a vector-like dark fermion to the Standard Model (SM), all non-trivially charged under the extra gauge symmetry. The model offers an easy resolution to the muon (g – 2) anomaly, which fixes the scale of spontaneous symmetry breaking. Furthermore, the two-zero minor structure in the RHN mass matrix provides successful predictions for neutrino oscillation parameters, including the Dirac phase. The extended scalar sector can easily induce first-order phase transitions. We identify all possible phase transition patterns in the three-dimensional field space. We quantify the associated gravitational waves from the sound wave source and demonstrate that the signatures can be observed in future space-based experiments. We find that strong first-order phase transitions require large values of scalar quartic couplings which constrain the scalar dark matter (DM) relic density to a maximum of 10−2 and 10−5 when we consider the DM direct detection bound. Nonetheless, the model successfully explains the DM relic density via contribution from the vector-like dark fermion. We show the allowed range of the model parameters that can address all the beyond SM issues targeted in this study.

Background and Objectives: Functional dissociative seizures (FDS) are very common in neurology clinics, they straddle both neurology and psychiatry. In India, scarce resources and guidelines are available for effectively conveying their diagnosis and management, which leads to a substantial gap in care. We aimed to provide an instructional module for FDS, tailored to clinicians, patients, and caregivers in Hindi, to enhance communication of diagnosis and facilitate suitable management strategies. Methods: The instructional module development process was based on clinical settings and expert opinions. A standard translation process was performed to ensure the linguistic and cultural equivalence. Validation was carried out by a panel of 15 validators, comprising 13 neurologists and two psychiatrists, to identify key psychoeducation components and their significance. They were provided a questionnaire consisting of five questions that were related to completeness, understandability, legibility, clarification, and usefulness of educational material for clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Items were rated using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: There was agreement on four items (Q1, Q3, Q4, and Q5), whereas approximately 85% of the validators agreed on the remaining one item (Q2). The instructional module demonstrated high content validity as indicated by both item level-content validity index (0.98) and scale-level content validity index (0.97), alongside content validity ratio and modified kappa statistics. Conclusions: The developed Hindi instructional module for FDS serves as a valuable tool to enhance the communication of FDS diagnosis and dispel misconceptions. This offers a comprehensive resource for clinicians, patients, and caregivers in India, potentially bridging gap in FDS care.

Background and Objectives: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) could be a valuable tool in the presurgical evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), especially when the initial evaluation is inconclusive. In this retrospective study, we describe the profile of MEG in patients with DRE and normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: We included patients with focal epilepsy and normal MRI who underwent presurgical evaluation for DRE. MEG profiles of these patients, including the frequency of spikes, density of clusters, number of clusters, and concordance with video electroencephalography (VEEG), were analyzed. Results: Of the 73 patients included, magnetic source imaging (MSI) provided localizing information in 51 (69.9%) patients. Among patients with localizing MEG findings, localizing information on VEEG too was noted in 42 (57.5% of the whole cohort). Thirty-one (42.5%) patients had concordant findings with region-specific localization, six (8.2%) patients had partial concordance, and five (6.8%) subjects showed discordant findings. There was a moderate agreement for the presumed epileptogenic zone in comparing findings derived from MEG and VEEG (kappa value of 0.451, P < 0.001). The agreement was lower when MEG localized to the frontal lobe (kappa value of 0.379, P = 0.001) than the temporal lobe (kappa value 0.442, P = 0.002). Conclusions: MEG can provide localizing information in most patients with a normal MRI. A moderate degree of agreement between localization by MEG and VEEG was noted. These findings highlight the usefulness of MSI in the presurgical evaluation of MRI-negative DRE.

Introduction: White spot lesions are opaque, chalky white or yellowish discolorations on the surface of teeth that result from the demineralization of the tooth structure. Many methods, including SEM, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy, are crucial for identifying and evaluating enamel white spot lesions. It is imperative to have a thorough grasp of the morphology, crystallographic structure, mineral composition, and chemical changes associated with enamel white spot lesions. Method: In vitro lesions were meticulously obtained by immersing extracted teeth in hydrochloric acid for a week and drying them using artificial caries. Characterization investigations were conducted with utmost precision and thoroughness using FTIR, XRD, and SEM, ensuring the reliability and validity of the results. Results: FTIR analysis revealed the existence of calcium oxide and hydroxyapatite, and SEM examination assisted in identifying differences in surface shape. The enamel's crystalline nature was revealed via XRD investigation. Conclusion: White spot lesions are associated with the development of deep caries. Advanced imaging strategies are needed for additional validation.

Abstract Lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1), which demethylates mono- or di- methylated histone H3 on lysine 4 (H3K4me1/2), is essential for early embryogenesis and development. Here we show that LSD1 is dispensable for mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal but is required for mouse ESC growth and differentiation. Reintroduction of a catalytically-impaired LSD1 (LSD1MUT) recovers the proliferation capability of mouse ESCs, yet the enzymatic activity of LSD1 is essential to ensure proper differentiation. Indeed, increased H3K4me1 in Lsd1 knockout (KO) mouse ESCs does not lead to major changes in global gene expression programs related to stemness. However, ablation of LSD1 but not LSD1MUT results in decreased DNMT1 and UHRF1 proteins coupled to global hypomethylation. We show that both LSD1 and LSD1MUT control protein stability of UHRF1 and DNMT1 through interaction with HDAC1 and the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7), consequently, facilitating the deacetylation and deubiquitination of DNMT1 and UHRF1. Our studies elucidate a mechanism by which LSD1 controls DNA methylation in mouse ESCs, independently of its lysine demethylase activity.

Abstract Massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) is an innovative wireless communication technology that significantly enhances the capacity and efficiency of data transmission in modern networks. Massive multiple input multiple output, despite benefits, faces difficulties in managing numerous antennas affecting signal quality, peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), and energy efficiency due to its scale and complexity. However, overcoming these complexities is vital for unlocking massive multiple input multiple output’s potential in high-quality, energy-efficient wireless communication. A proposed joint optimization-based technique aims to address these issues in massive MIMO systems. In phase 1, joint optimization with quality of service maximizes capacity via power distribution, employing the hybrid spider wasp Fick’s law algorithm. In phase 2, zero-forcing with symbol-level linear precoding, especially the stacked convolutional sparse bidirectional long short-term memory autoencoder (SCS–BiLSTMAE) network, efficiently reduces peak-to-average power ratio, collaborating for reduced bit rate error and peak-to-average power ratio through adaptive mapping. Refining the model involves precise hyperparameter tuning using the enhanced influencer buddy optimization algorithm. The proposed framework not only demonstrates exceptional performance, but the metrics also underscore the model's effectiveness in addressing diverse challenges, establishing it as a robust solution for quality enhancement, peak-to-average power ratio reduction, and energy efficiency. Additionally, the proposed model attains 28.14% greater system capacity than existing methods.

Abstract Background Women with high-risk breast lesions, such as atypical hyperplasia (AH) or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), have a 4- to tenfold increased risk of breast cancer compared to women with non-proliferative breast disease. Despite high-quality data supporting chemoprevention, uptake remains low. Interventions are needed to break down barriers. Methods The parent trial, MiCHOICE, is a cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of patient and provider decision support tools to improve informed choice about chemoprevention among women with AH or LCIS. For this pre-implementation analysis, 25 providers participated in semi-structured interviews prior to accessing decision support tools. Interviews sought to understand attitudes/beliefs and barriers/facilitators to chemoprevention. Results Interviews with 25 providers (18 physicians and 7 advanced practice providers) were included. Providers were predominantly female (84%), white (72%), and non-Hispanic (88%). Nearly all providers (96%) had prescribed chemoprevention for eligible patients. Three themes emerged in qualitative analysis. The first theme describes providers’ confidence in chemoprevention and the utility of decision support tools. The second theme elucidates barriers to chemoprevention, including time constraints, risk communication and perceptions of patients’ fear of side effects and anxiety. The third theme is the need for early implementation of decision support tools. Conclusions This qualitative study suggests that providers were interested in the early inclusion of decision aids (DA) in their chemoprevention discussion workflow. The DAs may help overcome certain barriers which were elucidated in these interviews, including patient level concerns about side effects, clinic time constraints and difficulty communicating risk. A multi-faceted intervention with a DA as one active component may be needed. Trial registration This trial was registered with the NIH clinical trial registry, clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04496739.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to prepare for future emerging coronavriuses (CoVs) by understanding the principles behind effective CoV vaccine design such as protective immunity and antibody responses. To study which epitopes and subdomains contribute to in vivo protection, we utilized the prefusion-stabilized spike protein of MERS-CoV, MERS S-2P, as a vaccine immunogen. Vaccination with MERS S-2P elicited both receptor-binding domain (RBD)- and non-RBD-specific antibodies, including N-terminal domain (NTD)-specific G2-and CDC2-A2-like antibodies. Intriguingly, the immunogen MERS S-2P_ΔRBD, MERS S-2P with the RBDs removed, protects comparably to S1 and S-2P immunogens against MERS-CoV challenge. Moreover, passive transfer studies of polyclonal IgG from MERS S-2P immunized mice depleted of subdomain-specific antibodies demonstrated that non-RBD antibodies protected more than non-NTD antibodies. Altogether, these findings illustrate that in-vivo protection is not solely driven by RBD-specific antibodies and highlights the importance of targeting non-RBD sites in future CoV vaccine designs.

HfO2-based ferroelectrics show tremendous potential for applications in computing technologies, but questions remain as to what dictates the stabilization of the desired phase. Here, it is demonstrated that the substrate the film is grown on is more influential than factors such as thickness, defect content, and strain. The presence of different possible polymorphs of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 are observed to vary widely for different substrate materials—with La0.67Sr0.33MnO3, (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7, and Al2O3 being (more) optimal for stabilizing the ferroelectric-orthorhombic phase. This substrate effect is found to be more influential than any changes observed from varying the film thickness (7.5–60 nm), deposition environment (oxygen vs argon), and annealing temperature (400–600 °C) in vacuum (10−5 Torr). X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy verify the phases present, and capacitor-based studies reveal ferroelectric behavior (or lack thereof) consistent with the phases observed. First-principles calculations suggest that forming oxygen vacancies in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 lowers its work function, driving electrons away and helping to stabilize the ferroelectric phase. Substrates with a high work function (e.g., La0.67Sr0.33MnO3) facilitate this electron transfer but must also have sufficient ion conductivity to support oxygen-vacancy formation in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2. Together, these observations help clarify key factors essential to the stabilization of HfO2-based ferroelectrics.

This case reports highlights a 37-year-old woman who was transferred to Mayo Clinic Arizona for care after development of seizures, altered mental status, and a diffuse petechial rash, along with vesicular lesions near the groin. She received broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy. CSF testing showed lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein levels, and PCR testing confirmed varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. MRI of the brain demonstrated chronic microhemorrhages, indicative of vasculitis secondary to disseminated VZV. Dermatology consultation and subsequent biopsy of the skin lesions revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with IgA deposition, consistent with Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP). A VZV-positive PCR from the rash further corroborated the diagnosis. This case highlights the first reported instance of VZV induced HSP in an adult. Although this patient had no complications from HSP, early recognition and targeted treatment are necessary in some cases to prevent severe conditions. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis and the importance of biopsy lesions for prompt recognition of uncommon conditions in high-risk patients.

Background. Psychological skills and aggression are pivotal in athletic performance, influenced by both gender and cultural contexts. These factors are shaped by individual differences and cultural influences, they are essential to the development and use of these skills by athletes in sports. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in psychological skills and aggression levels across gender and university, providing insights into the psychological profiles of athletes within distinct cultural contexts. Materials and Methods. The study involved 300 athletes from the University of Delhi, India, and the University of Baghdad, Iraq, aged 18 to 30 years. Each university contributed 150 athletes, evenly divided by gender (75 males and 75 females). The participants were selected using non-probability quota and purposive sampling methods. Psychological skills were assessed using the Psychological Skills Inventory for Sports (PSIS), while aggression levels were measured with the Sports Aggression Questionnaire. Data collection occurred in a controlled environment under the supervision of trained researchers. Statistical analyses included a two-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficients, utilizing SPSS software. Results. Significant differences in psychological skills and aggression levels were observed across universities and genders. According to the results obtained, University of Delhi athletes showed higher psychological skills (PS: 154.83 ± 18.50) compared to University of Baghdad athletes (PS: 109.83 ± 26.05). Furthermore, male athletes from Delhi exhibited greater aggression (44.41 ± 10.35) than their Baghdad counterparts (37.93 ± 4.20). A two-way ANOVA revealed that player type significantly influenced psychological skills (F = 300.47, p = 0.01) and aggression (F = 71.54, p = 0.01). Gender also significantly impacted Anxiety Control (F = 8.64, p = 0.01) and Foul Play (F = 4.94, p = 0.05). A weak positive correlation (r = 0.284, p = 0.01) was identified between psychological skills and aggression, suggesting a slight tendency for increased psychological skills to correspond with higher aggression levels. Conclusions. These findings underscore the importance of considering both gender and university context when evaluating psychological skills and aggression in athletes. The insights derived from this study can inform the development of targeted training and support strategies to enhance athlete performance and well-being.

AimThis study aimed to assess the impact of a mHealth and community health education intervention on diabetes awareness and promoting healthy dietary and lifestyle habits within a rural population in Andhra Pradesh, India.MethodsUsing a quasi-experimental design, the mDiabetes program was implemented for 1 year, among 1,03,538 rural individuals. Under this program, 56 diabetes prevention messages (twice a week) in local language) were disseminated among the participants via voice calls for a period of 6 months. Additionally, community health education meetings were facilitated by trained community health workers and educational leaflets were distributed among the community members. Questionnaires were administered at three different time points-baseline (before the intervention), endline (after intervention), and follow-up (3 months after endline) to collect demographic data, diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, physical activity, and dietary habits. Analysis compared data from 545 subjects who participated in all the three surveys.ResultsThe cohort comprised 45.5% males and 54.5% females, aged 19–85 years (mean: 55.42; SD 10.3). Post-intervention, diabetes awareness rose to 97.43% at endline and 99.63% at follow-up from 82.75% at baseline. Belief in diabetes preventability increased from 25.5% to 69.5%, and awareness of lifestyle's impact on diabetes management improved from 72.6% to 80.9%. Over 90% recalled prevention messages, with significant lifestyle changes reported by 83% at endline and 73% at follow-up. Improved dietary and activity habits were evident, with fruit consumption and high-fat food avoidance at 78.5% and 67.7% in follow-up. Physical activity levels improved in both endline and follow-up groups compared to baseline. Daily participation in yoga, running, gym, and aerobics increased to 38.7% in endline and follow-up from 7.3% at baseline (p < 0.001). Outdoor sports engagement rose significantly to 15% in endline and follow-up from 0.5% at baseline (p < 0.001). Regular stair usage (59.8%), walking for chores (84.7%), and short walking breaks (93%) increased significantly in follow-up compared to baseline and endline (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe combined mHealth and community health education intervention improved diabetes awareness and healthy habits in rural areas, showing potential for lasting outcomes and guiding future public health efforts in similar settings.

Abstract BackgroundThe development of minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) has transformed diabetes management. CGMs have shown clinical significance by improving time in the euglycemic range, decreasing rates of hypoglycemia, and improving hemoglobin A1c1c ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the impact and feasibility of real-time CGM use among people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Rwanda through assessment of sensor use, time in range, rates of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, HbA1c MethodsThe Continuous Glucose Monitoring Among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Rwanda (CAPT1D) study is a single-arm, prospective observational study conducted at the Rwandan Diabetes Association clinic in Kigali, Rwanda, aiming to assess the impact and feasibility of CGM use in Rwanda. A cohort of 50 participants diagnosed with T1D were enrolled. Participants were at least 21 years old, undergoing multiple daily insulin therapy, and not currently pregnant. Phase I of the study was conducted over 12 months, using the Dexcom G6 CGM. Phase II and Phase III extended CGM use for an additional 6 months respectively, using the next-generation Dexcom G7 CGM. Here, we report the quantitative results of the Phase I study. ResultsParticipants used the sensor for >80% of the time throughout the study period. A significant increase in time in range was observed within 3 months and sustained over 12 months. HbA1c1cPP ConclusionsSignificant and meaningful improvements in key glycemic indices indicate the potential feasibility and impact of a CGM among people living with T1D in Rwanda. Future studies could be designed to include pre- and postintervention analysis to determine the effectiveness in terms of complications and costs.

Extensive use of pyrethroid insecticides poses significant risks to both ecological ecosystems and human beings. Herein, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 exhibited exceptional degradation capabilities towards a range of pyrethroid family insecticides including etofenprox, bifenthrin, tetramethrin, D-cypermethrin, allethrin, and permethrin, with a degradation efficiency reaching over 84 % within 36 h (50 mg·L-1). Strain PAO1 demonstrated effective soil bioremediation by removing etofenprox across different concentrations (25–100 mg·kg−1), with a degradation efficiency over 77 % within 15 days. Additionally, 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that introduction of strain PAO1 and etofenprox had a notable impact on the soil microbial community. Strain PAO1 displayed a synergistic effect with local degrading bacteria or flora to degrade etofenprox. UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl) propan-2-ol and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid as the major metabolites of etofenprox biodegradation. A new esterase gene (estA) containing conserved motif (GDSL) and catalytic triad (Ser38, Asp310 and His313) was cloned from strain PAO1. Enzyme activity and gene knockout experiments confirmed the pivotal role of estA in pyrethroid biodegradation. The findings from this study shed a new light on elucidating the degradation mechanism of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and present a useful agent for development of effective pyrethroid bioremediation strategies.

Outdoor activities like hiking and trekking require appropriate preparation and equipment. However, many adventurers underestimate the importance of these factors, leading to increased risk and adverse events. This study aims to deliver a comprehensive review of existing literature on preparation and equipment requirements for hiking and trekking and to identify prevalent challenges during these activities. The review considered papers with English full-text, listed in MEDLINE/PubMed or Google Scholar, published between January 2000 and June 2023. The search method focuses on potential obstacles during the trip and equipment preparation and risks during hiking and trekking. Following the PRISMA 2021 guidelines, 14 papers were considered for detailed review. Two articles investigated hiking experts whereas the other studies included experts and beginners. The following preparative measures and equipment were identified as crucial: appropriate clothing, maps, compass, first aid kit, extra food and water, good physical fitness, and outdoor-related skills (e.g., orientation and medical proficiency). The reviewed studies had methodological flaws and were susceptible to bias. This review identifies common risks and best practices with respect to preparation and equipment for hiking and trekking. It contributes to outdoor adventure safety, potentially reducing risks and the likelihood of adverse events and enriching outdoor experiences. Keywords: Hiking, Trekking, Equipment Requirements, Preparedness, Outdoor Activities, Risk Management, Safety Practices, Adventure Tourism, Literature Review.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern in India, with exacerbations leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition, may affect COPD outcomes by promoting systemic inflammation. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association between periodontal inflammation and the risk of COPD exacerbations in the Indian population. Methods: A total of 2500 participants with established COPD from various regions of India were enrolled and followed for five years. Baseline assessments included comprehensive periodontal evaluations, with measurements of clinical parameters and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6). COPD exacerbations were defined as events requiring medical intervention, such as hospitalization, emergency room visits, or changes in medication. Results: Periodontal inflammation, measured by clinical attachment loss and elevated inflammatory markers, was significantly associated with a higher risk of COPD exacerbations (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.3, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.7–3.1), even after adjusting for confounders. Specific periodontal parameters and inflammatory markers were identified as strong predictors of future exacerbations. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that periodontal inflammation is an independent and potentially modifiable risk factor for COPD exacerbations in the Indian population. Addressing periodontal health as a part of COPD management may offer a novel approach to reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations, thereby improving quality of life and clinical outcomes.

In the realm of topology, various constraints are frequently imposed on the types of topological spaces under examination and these constraints are defined by what are known as separation axioms. Also, the separation axioms can be seen as additional conditions that may be incorporated into the definition of topological spaces. Separation axioms serve various purposes in lattice theory. They provide tools for classifying and comparing different lattices, revealing their structural and topological properties. While traditional separation axioms like T0, T1, T2, etc., still play a role, their interpretation and implications differ in the context of soft sets and lattice structures. This paper introduces the separation axioms, soft lattice -space (for i = 4, 5, 6), within the context of a soft lattice topological space and investigates several of their associated properties. Studying lattices through these axioms can reveal connections between their order-theoretic properties and their topological features. This work goes beyond simply applying separation axioms to soft lattice topological spaces. It ventures into unveiling soft lattice invariant properties. Additionally, the study explores soft lattice invariant properties that are derived from these soft lattice -space concepts, specifically, soft lattice hereditary and soft lattice topological properties. In conclusion, the study's exploration of soft lattice invariant properties pushes the boundaries of understanding soft lattice topological spaces. By delving into the essence of these structures and their local and global characteristics, the study opens doors to exciting theoretical possibilities and potential applications in diverse fields.