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Abstract Background Pilates (Contrology) is a mind–body exercise that emphasises strength, core stability, flexibility, muscle control, posture, and breathing. Pilates can be practised in a variety of methods, including using various equipment and one’s own body weight on a mat. This review’s objective is to assess the benefits of Pilates therapies for women with health issues, with a focus on physical and psychological health, with a focus on physical and psychosocial results. Methodology All published Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative trials with free full text that involved female participants with medical conditions with Pilates exercises as the intervention were included. A search was conducted across 3 databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Library): 10 studies—7 RCTs and 3 comparative studies, met the inclusion criteria. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the methodology. Results According to recent research, Pilates may improve quality of life while lowering pain, and disability. It may also increase flexibility, strength, mobility, respiratory rate, vital capacity, body mass index, and balance. It also helps in lowering fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c level in type 2 diabetic women and also helps in lowering the severity of temporomandibular dysfunction. Conclusion Women with health issues who practised pilates reported improvements in physical and psychological health metrics. Additional high-quality research is necessary to determine the impact on other aspects of health and fitness. Trial registration This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO with a registration ID CRD42022328804.

Background The currently available various methods of estimation of total iron binding capacity (TIBC) show marked variation in reference range. Although serum transferrin (TF) level is a sensitive indicator of iron status, its measurement requires immunoassay equipment which may not be available in many routine biochemistry laboratories. So, this study was planned to find the most appropriate method to estimate TIBC.

Esophageal carcinoma is the sixth-leading cause of cancer death worldwide. A precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is Barrett’s Esophagus (BE). Early-stage diagnosis and treatment of esophageal neoplasia (Barrett’s with high-grade dysplasia/intramucosal cancer) increase the five-year survival rate from 10% to 98%. BE is a global challenge; however, current endoscopes for early BE detection are costly and require extensive infrastructure for patient examination and sedation. We describe the design and evaluation of the first prototype of ScanCap, a high-resolution optical endoscopy system with a reusable, low-cost tethered capsule, designed to provide high-definition, blue-green illumination imaging for the early detection of BE in unsedated patients. The tethered capsule (12.8 mm diameter, 35.5 mm length) contains a color camera and rotating mirror and is designed to be swallowed; images are collected as the capsule is retracted manually via the tether. The tether provides electrical power and illumination at wavelengths of 415 nm and 565 nm and transmits data from the camera to a tablet. The ScanCap prototype capsule was used to image the oral mucosa in normal volunteers and ex vivo esophageal resections; images were compared to those obtained using an Olympus CV-180 endoscope. Images of superficial capillaries in intact oral mucosa were clearly visible in ScanCap images. Diagnostically relevant features of BE, including irregular Z-lines, distorted mucosa, and dilated vasculature, were clearly visible in ScanCap images of ex vivo esophageal specimens.

Abstract As the demand for electrification of means of transportation and storage of electrical energy for later use is skyrocketing, rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are at the heart of this revolution. Acknowledging the carbon footprints, environmental concerns and cost of the commercial cathode materials, this is the high time to advocate sustainable alternatives. This review aims at establishing the potential of organic redox-active molecules as a burgeoning class of sustainable solid cathode materials for LIBs. The materials are classified according to their structural features (molecules, metallo-organic complexes, and organic/metal–organic frameworks) and electrochemical performance to lay emphasis on practical applications and bottlenecks in commercialization. However, these materials are still in early stages of development, and new frontiers have been explored in the last five years.

The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 and the National Register of Citizens in India are perceived as reflective of a religious classification in grant and continuance of Indian citizenship. The study aimed to discuss the future effects of the amended Citizenship Act 2019 and suggest alternatives to accommodate India's constitutional ethos. A considerable fraction of the Indian citizenry was discorded with this Act because Article 14 of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on religion, among other grounds. On the other hand, the state's stance asserted that the law aims to protect the persecuted religious minorities from other states. This study dealt with the nuances and intricacies of the problem to explicate viable solutions by an in-depth analysis of the issue in an unprejudiced manner where it used a combined doctrinal and empirical research to assess the perspectives on the policy in the Global South from the Indian experience. The findings reflected that while a majority of the provisions in the Act can be justified based on constitutional parameters, its few provisions are unconstitutional. In summary, even after juxtaposing all the justifications of the Act against the allegations, a considerable portion of the Act remains unconstitutional, and it needs to be revisited based on constitutional parameters.

A key driver of workplace cognitive competencies is metacognition which has been shown to impact performance among nurses, teachers and firefighters, however, it is scarcely studied among managerial employees. The research investigating this relationship is also scattered across multiple domains limiting its’ utility for researchers and practitioners. This paper, therefore, presents an integrative review of the existing empirical literature from the Web of Science and Scopus database to trace the linkages of metacognition, workplace cognitive competencies and performance at work. The identified linkages are then formulated into a conceptual framework clarifying how various workplace cognitive competencies and performance may be linked to metacognition. The findings indicate linkages between metacognition and various workplace cognitive competencies such as problem-solving, decision-making, innovation, creativity and knowledge acquisition. The present research also establishes the link of metacognition and cognitive competencies with learning, individual and firm performance. The review paves way for metacognition to be considered as a distinct construct in the workplace, identifies gaps and provides direction for future research.

Abstract We evaluated the performance of oral swab specimen both health-care worker (HCW) collected and self-collected for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection with rapid antigen test (RAT) as compared to reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Of the 529 participants enrolled, 121 (22.8%) were RT-PCR positive. Among the RT-PCR positives, 62 (51.2%) were RAT positive using oral swab. When compared with RT-PCR, RAT with oral swab had sensitivity and specificity of 63.3 and 96.8% respectively among symptomatic individuals. No statistically significant difference was observed in RAT positivity with HCW collection and self-collection, p = 0.606. Ct values were significantly lower in RT-PCR and RAT positive samples (ORF gene: 18.85 ± 4.36; E gene: 18.72 ± 4.84) as compared to RT-PCR positive and RAT negative samples (ORF gene: 26.98 ± 7.09; E gene: 26.97 ± 7.07), p

Abstract Weight loss through behavioral modification is central to treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To achieve this, patients need to accurately self-perceive their health behaviors. We aimed to identify predictors of concordance between self-perception and objective measures of body weight, physical activity (PA) and dietary behaviors. We used data from the Harris County NAFLD Cohort, an ongoing prospective study in a regional safety-net healthcare system. Patients completed self-administered baseline questionnaires on demographics, diet, PA, and self-perceptions. We assessed concordance between actual and self-perceived body weight and energy-balance behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of concordance. Patients (n = 458; average age 46.5 years) were 90% Hispanic and 76% female. PA and fruit/vegetable intake guidelines were met among 37% and 9%, respectively. Most (89%) overweight/obese patients accurately perceived themselves as such. However, 41% of insufficiently-active and 34% of patients not meeting fruit/vegetable intake guidelines inaccurately self-perceived their behaviors as “just right”. Women were 3 times more likely to accurately self-perceive weight status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.24; 95% CI 1.68–6.25) but 51% less likely to accurately self-perceive PA levels than men (AOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.29–0.81). Lower acculturation was associated with higher odds of accurate PA self-perception. Patients with prediabetes or diabetes vs normoglycemia were more likely to accurately self-perceive their fruit/vegetable intake. Most NAFLD patients accurately self-perceived their body weight. A third or more of those not meeting fruit/vegetable intake or PA guidelines had inaccurate perceptions about their behaviors. Our findings highlight key areas to target in NAFLD-specific behavioral modification programs.

Aim: To compare the rise in temperature using trephines over conventional ones during bone site preparation. Setting and Design: An-vitro, evaluative study Materials and Methods: Twenty implant sites were prepared using pilot drill up to depth of 10 mm on bovine femoral bone. In first part, no irrigation was used. Five sites were prepared using conventional drill of 2.8 mm, and other five were prepared with help of trephine drills. On completion of each drill, infrared thermometer was used to measure temperature on both the drill tip and the shaft. The same procedure was repeated with bone immersed in saline. Statistical Analysis Used: Student t test was used to evaluate the significance of difference. Result: Study showed that the temperature rise at drill tip was significantly higher for trephine drill (52.98 ± 1.67 °C) than conventional drills (48.20 ± 0.67 °C), however the temperature difference in trephine and conventional drills was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The temperature increase was more distributed in conventional drills than trephine. Copious irrigation is thus mandatory for trephine drills. Intermittent drilling is preferred with conventional drills.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a major health issue worldwide. Screening and early diagnosis are the key elements for the better prognosis of potentially malignant oral disorders. Objectives: This study establishes the effectiveness of fluorescence imaging device in the early detection and precise examination of the normal-appearing oral mucosa of tobacco chewer patients in white light and fluorescence light. Materials and Methods: The study consists of a total of 150 patients equally categorized into frequent tobacco chewers with normal mucosa, precancerous lesion, and cancerous lesion. Out of which 10 cases were excluded due to technical errors and consent-related issues. The correlation between examined oral mucosa under white light and fluorescence light was evaluated through a 2 × 3 contingency table Chi-square test. Results: Out of 140 participants with a positive cancer diagnosis, there are 43 and 53 patients were sensitive to white light andfluorescence light, respectively. The estimated values for sensitivity and specificity were 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.736–0.906) for biopsy report diagnosis. Conclusions: Although autofluorescence device plays a critical role in the diagnosis of precancerous oral mucosal lesions in the early stages, the histopathological evaluation remains the gold standard diagnostic approach for this life-threatening disease. Due to the high sensitivity of autofluorescence examination, it has a vital role in determining high-risk oral lesions (precancerous) and oral cancer in mass screening programs for the cancer-prone population.

Aim: The present study aimed at comparing clinical, radiographical, and histological findings in chronic periapical lesions such as cysts, granuloma, and abscess. Methodology: The present study was conducted on 148 teeth having chronic inflammatory periapical lesions with or without nonsurgical endodontic treatment. Endodontic surgery was performed by single trained endodontist. After surgical endodontic treatment, biopsy sections of teeth were assessed histologically. All slides stained with hematoxylin/eosin and Gomori trichrome for light microscopy assessment. Results: Out of 148 teeth, 41 had chronic inflammatory lesions, 34 had inflammatory cysts, and 25 had indefinite lesions. Chronic inflammatory lesions assessed histologically found chronic apical periodontitis in 86 cases and inflammatory cysts in 62 cases. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Out of 86 cases of chronic apical periodontitis confirmed clinical radiographically, 64% found positive, whereas 36% were not histologically. Out of 62 cases of inflammatory cysts confirmed clinically and radiographically, 78% found positive while 36% were not histologically. Out of 25 indefinite lesions, 56% found chronic inflammatory lesions while 44% found inflammatory cyst. Conclusion: There was significant disagreement in clinical radiographic as well as histological diagnosis.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MFPS) is a disorder common among patients who experience musculoskeletal pain. The condition originates from the muscles and the fascia which surrounds it. Initially, this condition used to be prevalent among people in their 40s and 50s. But presently, even young adults are affected. In this review, several databases have been consulted in the course of reviewing MFPS related studies. Aspects reviewed include its aetiopathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and management of MFPS. It is important to note that an increasing number of people among the ageing population suffer from musculoskeletal discomfort that interferes with their everyday activities and functions. It has a huge influence on their overall well being. This is creating a growing financial burden on the healthcare system. There is a lack of consensus regarding proper diagnostic criteria or tool, and treatment of MFPS. This review aimed to summarise recent advances in the diagnosis and intervention.

Gallbladder specimens are ditzel in surgical pathology and opportunistic diseases like cryptosporidiosis where they are easy to miss. We describe three cases of gallbladders with mucosal papillary hyperplasia with acute and chronic inflammation, all of which revealed cryptosporidiosis on complete histological evaluation. The patients were found to be HIV positive on further chart review. In the absence of clinical history, which is often the case with gallbladder specimens, the finding of mucosal papillary hyperplasia can be a reactive response to an infectious cause and can serve as a helpful clue to look for organisms with patience at higher magnification.

Blood clotting is a complex process involving platelet adhesion and clot stiffening. Here the authors present a microfluidic system to recapitulate the dynamic changes in clot mechanics under physiological shear.

The world has been facing a global threat from the past few months from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There has been a significant increase in morbidity and mortality due to this ongoing pandemic which is creating a global challenge. This pandemic is having a profound effect on all aspects of society especially the physical and mental health of the people. There has been a rising concern about the mental health of normal population, COVID-19 patients, Healthcare Workers (HCW) or doctors, children and the elderly population. Recent research has reported symptoms of anxiety, depression and other symptoms of psychological distress among these populations. The main purpose of this review was to focus on various mental health issues and the coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is common in adolescents. The frequency and predictors of bleeding disorders in adolescents, especially with anovulatory bleeding, are unknown. Adolescents referred for heavy menstrual bleeding underwent an evaluation of menstrual bleeding patterns, and bleeding disorders determined a priori. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of a bleeding disorder. Two groups were compared: anovulatory and ovulatory bleeding. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of baseline characteristics and predictors was performed. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed for the time from the first bleed to bleeding disorder diagnosis. In 200 adolescents, a bleeding disorder was diagnosed in 33% (n=67): low von Willebrand factor levels in 16%, von Willebrand disease in 11%, and qualitative platelet dysfunction in 4.5%. The prevalence of bleeding disorder was similar between ovulatory and anovulatory groups (31% vs. 36%; P=0.45). Predictors of bleeding disorder included: younger age at first bleed (OR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.73, 0.96), Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 2.48; 95%CI: 1.13, 5.05), non-presentation to emergency department for heavy bleeding (OR: 0.14; 95%CI: 0.05, 0.38), and International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Bleeding Assessment Tool score ≥4 (OR: 8.27; 95%CI: 2.60, 26.44). Time from onset of the first bleed to diagnosis was two years in the anovulatory, and six years in the ovulatory cohort (log-rank test, P

Disseminated toxoplasmosis is uncommon in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts with gastrointestinal involvement being rarely described. We report a case of disseminated gastrointestinal toxoplasmosis in an immunocompromised man who presented with one month of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Imaging showed thickening of the ascending colon and cecum. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy biopsies revealed Toxoplasma gondii, confirmed by immunostain. Symptoms completely resolved following treatment with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin. This case highlights the importance of including toxoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of any immunocompromised individual presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Esterifying lysophospholipids may serve a variety of functions, including phospholipid remodeling and limiting the abundance of bioactive lipids. Recently, a yeast enzyme, Lpt1p, that esterifies an array of lysophospholipids was identified. Described here is the characterization of a human homolog of LPT1 that we have called lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3). Expression of LPCAT3 in Sf9 insect cells conferred robust esterification of lysophosphatidylcholine in vitro. Kinetic analysis found apparent cooperativity with a saturated acyl-CoA having the lowest K0.5 (5 μM), a monounsaturated acyl-CoA having the highest apparent Vmax (759 nmol/min/mg), and two polyunsaturated acyl-CoAs showing intermediate values. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylserine were also utilized as substrates. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis of phospholipids in Sf9 cells expressing LPCAT3 showed a relative increase in phosphatidylcholine containing saturated acyl chains and a decrease in phosphatidylcholine containing unsaturated acyl chains. Targeted reduction of LPCAT3 expression in HEK293 cells had essentially an opposite effect, resulting in decreased abundance of saturated phospholipid species and more unsaturated species. Reduced LPCAT3 expression resulted in more apoptosis and distinctly fewer lamellipodia, suggesting a necessary role for lysophospholipid esterification in maintaining cellular function and structure.—Jain, S., X. Zhang, P. J. Khandelwal, A. J. Saunders, B. S. Cummings, and P. Oelkers. Characterization of human lysophospholipid acyltransferase 3.

BACKGROUND:Increased platelet activation in sickle cell disease (SCD) contributes to a state of hypercoagulability and confers a risk of thromboembolic complications. The role for post-transcriptional regulation of the platelet transcriptome by microRNAs (miRNAs) in SCD has not been previously explored. This is the first study to determine whether platelets from SCD exhibit an altered miRNA expression profile. METHODS AND FINDINGS:We analyzed the expression of miRNAs isolated from platelets from a primary cohort (SCD = 19, controls = 10) and a validation cohort (SCD = 7, controls = 7) by hybridizing to the Agilent miRNA microarrays. A dramatic difference in miRNA expression profiles between patients and controls was noted in both cohorts separately. A total of 40 differentially expressed platelet miRNAs were identified as common in both cohorts (p-value 0.05, fold change>2) with 24 miRNAs downregulated. Interestingly, 14 of the 24 downregulated miRNAs were members of three families - miR-329, miR-376 and miR-154 - which localized to the epigenetically regulated, maternally imprinted chromosome 14q32 region. We validated the downregulated miRNAs, miR-376a and miR-409-3p, and an upregulated miR-1225-3p using qRT-PCR. Over-expression of the miR-1225-3p in the Meg01 cells was followed by mRNA expression profiling to identify mRNA targets. This resulted in significant transcriptional repression of 1605 transcripts. A combinatorial approach using Meg01 mRNA expression profiles following miR-1225-3p overexpression, a computational prediction analysis of miRNA target sequences and a previously published set of differentially expressed platelet transcripts from SCD patients, identified three novel platelet mRNA targets: PBXIP1, PLAGL2 and PHF20L1. CONCLUSIONS:We have identified significant differences in functionally active platelet miRNAs in patients with SCD as compared to controls. These data provide an important inventory of differentially expressed miRNAs in SCD patients and an experimental framework for future studies of miRNAs as regulators of biological pathways in platelets.

The identification of individuals at a higher risk of developing caries is of great interest. Isolated forms of cleft lip and palate are among the most common craniofacial congenital anomalies in humans. Historically, several reports suggest that individuals born with clefts have a higher risk for caries. Caries continues to be the most common infectious noncontagious disease worldwide and a great burden to any health system. The identification of individuals of higher susceptibility to caries is of great interest. In this paper, we assessed caries experience of 1,593 individuals from three distinct populations. The study included individuals born with clefts, their unaffected relatives, and unrelated unaffected controls that were recruited from areas with similar cultural pressures and limited access to dental care. DMFT/dmft scores were obtained, and caries experience rates were compared among the three groups in each geographic area. Individuals born with clefts did not present higher caries experience in comparison to their unaffected relatives or unrelated unaffected controls. Women tend to present higher caries rates in comparison to men. Our work provides strong evidence that individuals born with clefts are not at higher risk to caries; however, women tend to have more severe caries experience.