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A 3-year-old patient in India experiencing headaches and seizures was diagnosed with a fungal infection, initially misidentified as Cladophialophora bantiana. Follow-up sequencing identified the isolate to be Fonsecaea monophora fungus. This case demonstrates the use of molecular methods for the correct identification of F. monophora, an agent of fungal brain abscess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat, necessitating innovative approaches for combatting it. This review explores various mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance observed in various strains of bacteria. We examine various strategies, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), novel antimicrobial materials, drug delivery systems, vaccines, antibody therapies, and non-traditional antibiotic treatments. Through a comprehensive literature review, the efficacy and challenges of these strategies are evaluated. Findings reveal the potential of AMPs in combating resistance due to their unique mechanisms and lower propensity for resistance development. Additionally, novel drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, show promise in enhancing antibiotic efficacy and overcoming resistance mechanisms. Vaccines and antibody therapies offer preventive measures, although challenges exist in their development. Non-traditional antibiotic treatments, including CRISPR-Cas systems, present alternative approaches to combat resistance. Overall, this review underscores the importance of multifaceted strategies and coordinated global efforts to address antimicrobial resistance effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Central Nervous System (CNS) tumours are a common cause of cancer-related deaths in adolescents and young adults. The challenges in diagnosing and treating CNS tumours in this age group are unique and require special attention. Aim: To study the histopathological spectrum of CNS tumours in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA). Materials and Methods: Present five-year cross-sectional study was conducted on CNS biopsies received in the Department of Pathology at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India, from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2021, to analyse the histopathological spectrum of CNS tumours in the AYA group based on the site of the lesion, age, gender, and Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH) status. Results: During the study period, a total of 215 cases of CNS tumours were identified, of which 52 (24.2%) belonged to the AYA group. Of these, 35 (67.3%) were males and 17 (32.7%) were females. The majority of the patients presented with complaints of headache (50/52, 96.1%), with the frontal lobe being the most common site of involvement (21/52, 40.4%). Diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumours were the most commonly observed (23/52, 44.2%). Conclusion: CNS tumours are one of the most common cancer diagnosis among the AYA group, and awareness should be enhanced among histopathologists and oncologists regarding these tumours based on the updated classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes and monocular defocus curve of a new monofocal Tecnis Eyhance IOL (Tecnis ICB00) with Tecnis 1 single piece (ZCB00). Methods: Eighty patients diagnosed with cataract were divided into two groups: Tecnis ICB00 (n = 40) and ZCB00 (n = 40). The visual outcome was evaluated using the following parameters: uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), distance corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA), corrected near visual acuity (CNVA), uncorrected visual acuity contrast sensitivity (UVACS), best-corrected visual acuity contrast sensitivity (BCVACS), manifest refraction, and defocus curve and was compared at the 6th week and 3 months after surgery. Results: The UIVA and UNVA were significantly (P < 0.05) better in ICB00 as compared with ZCB00 at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperative. The DCIVA was significantly better in ICB00 as compared with ZCB00 at 3 months postoperative (−0.015 ± 0.04 vs. 0.01 ± 0.020; P = 0.01). Regarding contrast sensitivity, UVACS and BCVACS were significantly better in ICB00 as compared with ZCB00 at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperative (P < 0.05). The defocus curves showed that the mean visual acuity of the ICB00 group was significantly better than that of the ZCB00 group at between – 0.5 D and – 2.50 D of defocus. Conclusion: In patients undergoing cataract surgery, Eyhance ICB00 provided better intermediate vision as compared with ZCB00. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid immunity (vaccination + natural infection) to SARS-CoV-2 provides superior protection to re-infection. We performed immune profiling studies during breakthrough infections in mRNA-vaccinated hamsters to evaluate hybrid immunity induction. The mRNA vaccine, BNT162b2, was dosed to induce binding antibody titers against ancestral spike, but inefficient serum virus neutralization of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 or variants of concern (VoCs). Vaccination reduced morbidity and controlled lung virus titers for ancestral virus and Alpha but allowed breakthrough infections in Beta, Delta and Mu-challenged hamsters. Vaccination primed for T cell responses that were boosted by infection. Infection back-boosted neutralizing antibody responses against ancestral virus and VoCs. Hybrid immunity resulted in more cross-reactive sera, reflected by smaller antigenic cartography distances. Transcriptomics post-infection reflects both vaccination status and disease course and suggests a role for interstitial macrophages in vaccine-mediated protection. Therefore, protection by vaccination, even in the absence of high titers of neutralizing antibodies in the serum, correlates with recall of broadly reactive B- and T-cell responses. Author summary: Hybrid immunity to SARS-CoV-2, defined as the immunity provided by the combination of vaccination and natural infection has been shown to provide superior protection to re-infection. To assess the induction of hybrid immunity, we vaccinated hamsters with a single-dose of the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine and challenged them with different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. This vaccine dose induced ELISA binding antibody titers against the virus spike, but these antibodies were not able to neutralize ancestral or drifted viruses. Vaccination reduced morbidity and controlled lung virus titers for ancestral virus and Alpha variant but allowed breakthrough infections with the other antigenically more distant variants of concern. Nevertheless, vaccination primed for more cross-reactive B and T cell responses after infection. Whole lung transcriptomics after infection suggests a role for innate immune cells, such as interstitial macrophages, in vaccine-mediated protection. Our study sheds light on the early phases of induction of protective immune responses during infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in vaccinated hosts, even before the onset of neutralizing antibodies through recall of cross-reactive B- and T-cell responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) galactomannan (GM) is commonly used to diagnose Aspergillus‐related lung diseases. However, unlike serum GM, which is measured in undiluted blood, BAL‐GM is estimated using variable aliquots and cumulative volume of instillates during bronchoscopy. Objective: Since different studies have reported varying diagnostic accuracy and cut‐offs for BAL‐GM in CPA, we hypothesized that the total volume of instillate and ‘order/label’ of aliquots significantly affects the BAL‐GM values, which was evaluated as part of this study. Patients & Methods: We obtained 250 BAL samples from 50 patients (five from each) with suspected chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. BAL fluid was collected after instilling sequential volumes of 40 mL of normal saline each for the first four labels and a fifth label was prepared by mixing 1 mL from each of the previous labels. The GM level of each label was measured by PLATELIA™ ASPERGILLUS Ag enzyme immunoassay. This study measured the discordance, level of agreement, diagnostic characteristics (sensitivity, specificity and AUROC) and best cut‐offs for BAL‐GM in the different aliquots of lavage fluid. Results: The study population, classified into CPA (28%) and non‐CPA (72%) groups, based on ERS/ESCMID criteria (excluding BAL‐GM) were not different with respect to clinico‐radiological characteristics. The discordance of BAL‐GM positivity (using a cut‐off of >1) between the serial labels for the same patient ranged between 10% and 22%, while the discordance between classification using BAL‐GM positivity (using a cut‐off of ≥1) and clinic‐radio‐microbiological classification ranged between 18% and 30%. The level of agreement for serial labels was at best fair (<0.6 for all except one ‘label’). The AUROC for the serial samples ranged between 0.595 and 0.702, with the ‘40 mL and the ‘mix’ samples performing the best. The best BAL‐GM cut‐off also showed significant variation between serial labels of varying dilutions (Range:1.01 ‐ 4.26). Interpretation: This study highlights the variation in BAL‐GM measured and the ‘positivity’ between different ‘labels’ of aliquots of BAL, with the first aliquot and the mixed sample showing the best performances for diagnosis of CPA. Future studies should attempt to ‘standardise’ the instilled volume for BAL‐GM estimation to standardise the diagnostic yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pusa Basmati 1509 (PB1509) is one of the major foreign-exchange-earning varieties of Basmati rice; it is semi-dwarf and early maturing with exceptional cooking quality and strong aroma. However, it is highly susceptible to various biotic stresses including bacterial blight and blast. Therefore, bacterial blight resistance genes, namely, xa13 + Xa21 and Xa38, and fungal blast resistance genes Pi9 + Pib and Pita were incorporated into the genetic background of recurrent parent (RP) PB1509 using donor parents, namely, Pusa Basmati 1718 (PB1718), Pusa 1927 (P1927), Pusa 1929 (P1929) and Tetep, respectively. Foreground selection was carried out with respective gene-linked markers, stringent phenotypic selection for recurrent parent phenotype, early generation background selection with Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and background analysis at advanced generations with Rice Pan Genome Array comprising 80K SNPs. This has led to the development of Near isogenic lines (NILs), namely, Pusa 3037, Pusa 3054, Pusa 3060 and Pusa 3066 carrying genes xa13 + Xa21, Xa38, Pi9 + Pib and Pita with genomic similarity of 98.25%, 98.92%, 97.38% and 97.69%, respectively, as compared to the RP. Based on GGE-biplot analysis, Pusa 3037-1-44-3-164-20-249-2 carrying xa13 + Xa21, Pusa 3054-2-47-7-166-24-261-3 carrying Xa38, Pusa 3060-3-55-17-157-4-124-1 carrying Pi9 + Pib, and Pusa 3066-4-56-20-159-8-174-1 carrying Pita were identified to be relatively stable and better-performing individuals in the tested environments. Intercrossing between the best BC3F1s has led to the generation of Pusa 3122 (xa13 + Xa21 + Xa38), Pusa 3124 (Xa38 + Pi9 + Pib) and Pusa 3123 (Pi9 + Pib + Pita) with agronomy, grain and cooking quality parameters at par with PB1509. Cultivation of such improved varieties will help farmers reduce the cost of cultivation with decreased pesticide use and improve productivity with ensured safety to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yellow vein mosaic disease (YVMD) transmitted through whitefly is a serious threat to okra fruit and quality production. Although, the disease can be managed up to some extent through chemicals by controlling the vector population. But, the use of resistant varieties is most economic and environment friendly. Therefore, the present study was planned to find out the new resistant source through artificial screening against YVMD. For this, the sixteen accessions belonging to seven different okra wild species along with two cultivars of cultivated okra (Pusa Sawani and Punjab Padmini) were evaluated against YVMD during rainy season of 2016 and 2017. Screening against YVMD was conducted using viruliferous whitefly (Bemisa tabaci Genn.) mediated mass inoculation and observations were recorded from symptomless to very severe infection. Observations were recorded consecutively for two years that confirmed no symptoms of YVMD up to 90 Days After Inoculation (DAI) for accession SBT-12597 and SBT-12592 of Hibiscus acutetus resulting zero coefficient of infection (CI) termed as highly resistant. Accessions IC-203833 and IC-470751 of A. angulosus depicting lowest CI value of 2.3 and 3.7 respectively were also assigned as highly resistant to YVMD at 90 DAI. The accession EC-329394 of A. manihot recorded CI value of 67.9 followed by accession IC-141056 (CI 61.6) of A. moschatus and A. tuberculatus (CI = 44.4) were found susceptible to YVMD up to 90 DAI. The cultivated okra A. esculentus variety Pusa Sawani with CI value of 75.0 and Punjab Padmani (CI 60.0) showed highly susceptible and susceptible reaction to YVMD, respectively. Deng universal primer confirmed the resistance in all the selected plants by showing absence of viral DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By making use of the concept of alpha-convex functions, here we introduce certain new subclasses of analytic functions with fixed point in the unit disc E = {z ∊ C:1 z I< 1}. The classes are defined by applying the principle of subordination. We establish the estimates for the initial coefficients of the functions belonging to the defined classes. Some relevant connections with earlier works are also mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The number of exposures to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to vaccine antigens affect the magnitude and avidity of the polyclonal response. Methods We studied binding and avidity of different antibody isotypes to the spike, the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and the nucleoprotein (NP) of wild-type (WT) and BA.1 SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent, mRNA vaccinated and/or boosted, hybrid immune individuals and in individuals with breakthrough cases during the peak of the BA.1 wave. Results We found an increase in spike-binding antibodies and antibody avidity with increasing number of exposures to infection and/or vaccination. NP antibodies were detectible in convalescent individuals and a proportion of breakthrough cases, but they displayed low avidity. Omicron breakthrough infections elicited high levels of cross-reactive antibodies between WT and BA.1 antigens in vaccinated individuals without prior infection directed against the spike and RBD. The magnitude of the antibody response and avidity correlated with neutralizing activity against WT virus. Conclusions The magnitude and quality of the antibody response increased with the number of antigenic exposures, including breakthrough infections. However, cross-reactivity of the antibody response after BA.1 breakthroughs, was affected by the number of prior exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper attempts to describe the central ideas of the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu sacred book, about its psychotherapeutic implications in the Indian socio-cultural setting. The Gita's teachings, as delivered by Lord Krishna, guide us in the proper direction. In many aspects, conflict resolution through the Gita resembles the work of psychotherapists, who, in addition to addressing patients' concerns and conflicts, assist them with symptom resolution and pave the way to long-term recovery. Counselling and psychotherapy are critical psychological interventions in treating people experiencing emotional distress. The Bhagavad Gita's applicability and utility as a source and model for developing psychotherapeutic concepts are appropriate for the Indian context. In Western psychology, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) was discovered in the 1900's era. Still, it was first delivered and documented in India as the Bhagwat Gita before 5000 BC. The fundamental focus of CBT therapy is to produce affirmative changes in the patient's thinking and interpretation of events rather than the event itself. In the Bhagwat Gita, events and situations remained the same, as in chapters one through eighteen; only Arjuna's thinking, emotions, and behaviour were modified after receiving discourses or CBT from Krishna. Hence, it can be said that Counselling and Psychotherapy have their underpinnings in the Bhagwat Gita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study improves a collection of attributes to detect subtle faults in three dimensional data obtained from the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin, with results displayed on synthetic and real datasets. Seismic attributes, for instance, curvature and coherence, are often used to delineate discontinuities, such as faults and fractures where hydrocarbons may have been trapped. These attributes have their advantages subjective to the seismic data. In this paper, we propose a multi-attribute framework for identifying subtle faults inside seismic volumes. Curvature attribute is a powerful and popular technique to deal with these faults. The faulted horizon is fitted on the quadratic surface using the least-square method, and the most positive and most-negative curvature attributes are calculated, which are further used in saliency map calculations. Several signal processing techniques, such as Hough transform and ant tracking, have been used to delineate faults. Here, we have proposed a novel signal processing approach based on energy variations known as top-down saliency on the curvature attributes using 3D-FFT local spectra and multi-dimensional plane projections. To analyze the directional nature of seismic data, the directional center-surround technique is employed for visual attention. Furthermore, the log-Gabor filter and image erosion are applied to the saliency-rendered seismic volume to highlight the oriented amplitude discontinuities at faults. Most of the time, these discontinuities may not be very prominent to find the subtle faults and other trace-to-trace hidden geological features in three-dimensional seismic data. In our work, calculated attributes assist us in mapping these changes, because they are all differently sensitive to the faults and fractures in unique ways. Experimental results on real field seismic data from the Krishna-Godavari basin prove that the proposed algorithm is effective and efficient in tracking subtle and minor faults, better than previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Root canal preparation is an important step of endodontic therapy. For successful endodontic therapy apical extrusion of debris through the apical foramen into the periradicular region should be minimal to avoid postoperative complication such as flare-ups. Aim: To evaluate in-vitro, extrusion of apical debris from the root canal using continuous rotary files (using multiple files system and single rotary file system), reciprocating file system and hand files. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro research was carried out in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, MM college of Dental Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from November 2017 to January 2018. A total of 120 human mandibular premolar teeth that were caries free and single-rooted were split into four groups (each group with n=30) Group I: Hand ProTaper, Group II: Protaper Universal, Group III: F360 and Group IV: WaveOne Gold file system. The root canal was instrumented according to manufacturer's Instructions; and standardised irrigation with distilled water was performed. The Myers and Montgomery's Model was employed to gather irrigant and debris that had been apically ejected. The analysis of data obtained was done using Post-hoc Bonferroni test, One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and paired t-test. Results: The findings indicate that all instrumentation techniques produced significant amount of extruded debris and irrigant. The mean apical debris extrusion using the One-way ANOVA test showed significant difference (p-value<0.001). WaveOne Gold file group showed least (0.0005±0.0001 mg) and Hand ProTaper file showed maximum (0.0017±0.0002) apical debris and irrigant extrusion. Conclusion: Less apical extrusion of irrigant and debris was observed in the engine-driven nickel-titanium systems than manual technique. Reciprocating file system when compared with hand and continuous rotary file system showed less debris extrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In geometric function theory, the estimation of upper bound of the Hankel determinants for various subclasses of analytic functions is an interesting topic of current research. Till now, extensive work has been done on the estimation of second and third Hankel determinants. The present investigation deals with the estimate of fourth Hankel determinant for certain subclasses of analytic functions in the open unit disc E = {z: |z| < 1}. This work will set the stage in the direction of investigation of fourth Hankel determinant for several other classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although rarely curative, hepatic cytoreduction of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NETLM) is associated with improved symptom control and prolonged survival. Preoperative 68Ga DOTATATE and gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI can improve characterization of hepatic disease extent to improve surgical clearance, and resection of the primary tumor is associated with improved survival regardless of whether the liver metastases are treated. As parenchymal-sparing surgical techniques and the lowering of the debulking threshold have expanded the numbers of eligible NETLM patients for hepatic cytoreduction, we propose a new classification system to help guide surgical management. A multimodal approach that includes surgery, liver-directed therapies, and systemic therapies has improved outcomes and increased longevity for patients with well-differentiated metastatic NET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a very commonly injured ligament of knee. Several physical examination tests are performed for evaluating ACL stability. The Lachman, pivot-shift and anterior drawer tests are commonly performed for evaluating the knee laxity. Aim: To compare Anterior drawer test, Lachman test and Pivot shift test in case of ACL tear. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Government Medical College, Kathua, Jammu, India, from August 2021-july 2022. Total 50 patients were included (age group 18-60 years) with symptomatic ACL tear. Three test included Anterior drawer test, Lachman test and Pivot shift were performed and findings were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Total 50 patients were evaluated and analysed including 60% males (n=30) and 40% females (n=20). The mean age of the patients was 34.5±2.6 years. Sensitivity, specificity of anterior drawer test were 83%, 87%, respectively; for Lachman test were 88%, 87% respectively; and for pivot shift were 40%,96% respectively. Conclusion: The pivot shift showed high specificity, but low sensitivity in the detection of ACL tears in comparison to anterior drawer test and Lachman test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of frequent flash floods in the Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand causes massive destruction and damage to life and property every year. In this study, five bivariate statistical models, namely Frequency Ratio, Fuzzy Membership Value, Weights of Evidence (WOE), Statistical Index (SI), and Information Value (IV), were individually integrated with the Index of Entropy (IOE). These models were employed to calculate the flash flood potential index and identify susceptible zones in the Mandakini River Basin. 39 flash flood locations, 39 non-flash flood locations, and 15 flash flood conditioning factors were utilized for training and testing the models with 70% and 30% of the dataset, respectively. The model performances were examined using receiver operating characteristics curves. This best prediction rate performance was featured by SI-IOE and IV-IOE with an AUC = 0.896 followed by WOE-IOE (AUC = 0.889). The results revealed that the areas with high and very high susceptibility cover approximately 40% of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therefore, natal and current sex can be discordantGender identityAn individual's internal actuality of being man, woman, both, neither, or a combination thereof. People may use "genderqueer" alone to describe their gender identity or combine it with additional descriptors, e.g. "genderqueer and nonbinary"Reactions to "queer" may vary across generations given its historically pejorative uses. Therefore, natal and current sex can be discordantGender identityAn individual's internal actuality of being man, woman, both, neither, or a combination thereof. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Trustworthy educational information for patients is critical for increasing their knowledge base and preparing them for shared decision making with clinicians. As the internet has become an important source of health information for many patients, the purpose of this study was to assess the quality and content of websites with educational content about immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: We performed an environmental scan of the currently available websites providing educational information for patients about immune checkpoint inhibitors. We used three search engines: Google, Bing, and Yahoo! (9/20/2021). Two independent investigators selected relevant uniform resource locators (URLs), appraised the quality of the websites, and collected their characteristics. We evaluated the accuracy, completeness, technical elements, design and aesthetics, readability, usability, and accessibility of the websites. The user experience was also evaluated. Results: We identified 37 websites for analysis. In 10 websites (27%), it was not possible to know the source of the information provided. Thirty-three (89%) provided a definition with a simple explanation of cancer and treatment and 30 (81%) on complications of immune checkpoint inhibitors; only seven (19%) provided information about the balance between risks and benefits. Thirty-five (95%) provided a statement of purpose. Regarding the design, all 37 (100%) had appropriate visual aspects, typography, and grammar. Thirty-six (97%) were well organized. For most of the websites (n = 35, 95%) the content was easy to find. Only two websites had a readability score of 6, while the others had higher scores. Regarding the user experience, the overall quality of websites was rated as excellent in 16 (43%), good in 14 (38%), and fair in 7 (19%). Conclusions: Our findings reveal that websites with information about immune checkpoint inhibitors mostly have general information about cancer, the treatments, and adverse events. Few websites provide information about the balance between harms and benefits of treatment, costs, the source of the information, or the hierarchy of evidence. These findings identify the gap in the quality and content of websites for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and can help website creators and developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines are widely used globally to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both vaccine formulations contain PEGylated lipids in their composition, in the form of polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol for mRNA-1273, and 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N, N -ditetradecylacetamide for BNT162b2. It is known that some PEGylated drugs and products for human use which contain PEG are capable of eliciting immune responses that lead to to detectable PEG-specific antibodies in serum. In this study, we determined if any of the components of mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 formulations elicited PEG-specific antibody responses in serum by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We detected an increase in the reactivity to mRNA vaccine formulations in mRNA-1273 but not BNT162b2 vaccinees' sera in a prime-boost dependent manner. Furthermore, we observed the same pattern of reactivity against irrelevant lipid nanoparticles from an influenza virus mRNA formulation and found that the reactivity of such antibodies correlated well with antibody levels against high and low molecular weight PEG. Using sera from participants selected based on the vaccine-associated side effects experienced after vaccination, including delayed onset, injection site or severe allergic reactions, we found no obvious association between PEG antibodies and adverse reactions. Overall, our data shows a differential induction of anti-PEG antibodies by mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2. The clinical relevance of PEG reactive antibodies induced by administration of the mRNA-1273 vaccine, and the potential interaction of these antibodies with other PEGylated drugs remains to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The term thoracolumbar fracture essentially refers to the fact that the bone is broken in the thoracic (middle) or lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. The present prospective study has been objectively conducted to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of single stage subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction of unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in GMC Jammu from October 2017 to December 2018. A total 20 patients with acute traumatic unstable burst fractures at thoracolumbar junctions were included in this prospective study who qualified the defined inclusion criteria. Results: The mean sagittal plane kyphosis pre operatively was 24.845.220 which reduced to 13.155.30 at post-operative day 1. At final follow up, sagittal plane kyphosis was 15.105.650. The mean Anterior Body Compression was 33.646.79% which decreased to 22.3 % at post-operative day 1. At final follow up, mean ABC was 24.264.95%. VAS score reduced from mean value of 6.85 to 2.2 at final follow up which is slightly less compared to what others reported. Conclusion: The present study revealed that indirect decompression and posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction fulfill all the aims of surgical treatment of fractures and fracture dislocations of thoracolumbar spine. We recommend longer follow up to assess the degree of correction of kyphosis and re-collapse and neural recovery with single stage posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptococcosis is a serious systemic mycosis. Its incidence has escalated in the past four decades. Cryptococcus neoformans causes localized or disseminated infection in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The capsulated form is commonly encountered which can be diagnosed on an India ink preparation or antigen detection. However, the noncapsulated forms are very rare and require a high index of suspicion for correct diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of cryptococcal meningitis due to a noncapsulated strain in an apparently immunocompetent patient with no proven immunodeficiencies along with review of world literature. Such cases are a diagnostic challenge for the clinician as well as microbiologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper. we propose certain subclasses of p-valent close-to-convex functions by using the class of Janowski functions associated with subordination. These classes generalize several other classes defined earlier. We study various properties of these classes in regard to the coefficient estimates, distortion theorems, growth theorems. argument theorems and inclusion relations. Also. the relevant connection with known or new results are pointed out here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal β-mannanases hydrolyze β-1, 4-glycosidic bonds of mannans and find application in the generation of mannose and prebiotic mannooligosaccharides (MOS). Previously, a MOS generating β-mannanase from Aspergillus oryzae MTCC 1846 (βManAo) was characterized and its structural and functional properties were unraveled through homology modeling and molecular dynamics in this study. The βManAo model was validated with 92.9% and 6.5% of the residues found to be distributed in the most favorable and allowed regions of the Ramachandran plot. Glu244 was found to play a key role in the interaction with mannotriose, indicating conserved amino acids for the catalytic reaction. A detailed metadynamic analysis of the principal components revealed the presence of an α8-helix in the C-terminus which was very flexible in nature and energy landscapes suggested high conformation sub-states and the complex dynamic behavior of the protein. The binding of the M3 substrate stabilized the β-mannanase and resulted in a reduction in the intermediate conformational sub-states evident from the free energy landscapes. The active site of the β-mannanase is mostly hydrophilic in nature which is accordance with our results, where the major contribution in the binding energy of the substrate with the active site is from electrostatic interactions. Define Secondary Structure of Proteins (DSSP) analysis revealed a major transition of the protein from helix to β-turn for binding with the mannotriose. The molecular dynamics of the βManAo–mannotriose model, and the role and interactions of catalytic residues with ligand were also described. The substrate binding pocket of βManAo was found to be highly dynamic and showed large, concerted movements. The outcomes of the present study can be exploited in further understanding the structural properties and functional dynamics of βManAo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perusal of literature reports revealed that variedly functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been extensively studied as sustainable alternative to conventional nanomaterials in catalysis. In this context, herein, we have designed and developed an efficient, metal free, green and heterogeneous sulfonic acid functionalized carbon quantum dots (CQDs)‐based catalyst derived from biomass for one pot multicomponent reactions. The developed catalyst has been fully characterized using various techniques such as DLS, IR spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. The synthesized catalyst acts as a bipolar catalyst which can activate all the three components via hydrogen bond donor as well as hydrogen bond acceptor sites in the reaction mixture, to synthesize pyrimidine and 4H‐benzo[g]chromene derivatives in pure aqueous medium. Further, the catalyst exhibits significant reusability up to six cycles without any significant loss in its catalytic activity. Therefore, an economical and sustainable protocol has been developed for facile syntheses of biologically important heterocycles through an efficient and easily recoverable biomass derived catalyst in pure aqueous medium. Apparently, the developed strategy provides good eco‐scale and E‐factor values, which are acceptable according to green chemistry protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the estimation of fourth Hankel determinant for a subclass of analytic functions defined by generalized Sãlãgean operator in the open unit disc E = {z: |z| < 1}. The present study sets the stage for other researchers to investigate the fourth Hankel determinant for some other subclasses of analytic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urological malignancies during pregnancy are extremely rare, affecting about 13 in 1,000,000 pregnancies. Common signs of urological malignancies especially bladder tumors such as hematuria, urgency, lower abdominal pain, may be attributed to the pregnancy. Combined with the hesitancy to undergo imaging, these overlapping symptoms may result in delayed diagnosis. We report the case of a young female who was incidentally detected to have a large bladder tumor during the second trimester of her pregnancy. She underwent a transurethral resection of the bladder tumour during 26th week of pregnancy and histopathology was suggestive of a high-grade lamina invasive urothelial carcinoma. Her pregnancy continued till 34 weeks, when she delivered a 2.14 kg healthy female child. Restaging transurethral resection of the bladder tumour done four days after delivery was negative for malignancy. She is presently on intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy. Although a rare occurrence, treatment of bladder malignancies during pregnancy requires a multidisciplinary approach while taking into consideration the mother’s health, neonatal outcome and the perspective of both parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a very commonly injured ligament of knee. Several physical examination tests are performed for evaluating ACL stability. The Lachman, pivot-shift, and anterior drawer tests are commonly performed for evaluating the knee laxity. Aim: To compare Lever sign test with anterior drawer test and Lachman test in case of ACL tear, and to assess preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia variability in tests results. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Government Medical College, Kathua, Jammu, India, from October 2018 till September 2019. Total 50 patients were included (age group 18-60 years) with symptomatic ACL tear requiring diagnostic arthroscopy or repair. Three test included Lever sign test, anterior drawer test and Lachman test were performed preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia and findings were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity was calculated preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The p-value =0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Total 50 patients were evaluated and analysed including 60% males (n=30) and 40% females (n=20). The mean age of the patients was 34.5±2.6 years. Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Values (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of anterior drawer test preanaesthesia were 83%, 87%, 97%, 50%, and 84%, respectively, and postanaesthesia were 88%, 87%, 97%, 58%, and 88%; for Lachman test preanaesthesia were 88%, 87%, 97%, 58%, and 88%, respectively, and postanaesthesia were 90%, 87%, 97%, 63%, and 90%; and for Lever sign test preanaesthesia were 85%, 88%, 100%, 57%, and 88%, and postanaesthesia were 88%, 100%, 100%, 61%, and 90%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy of the three tests while comparing for preanaesthesia and postanaesthesia or for individual tests (p>0.05). Conclusion: The lever test showed high specificity, but comparable diagnostic accuracy in the detection of ACL tears in comparison to anterior drawer test and Lachman test. All the tests hold equal importance for diagnosing ACL tears before and after anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with certain generalized subclasses of bi-univalent functions defined with subordination in the open unit disc E = {z :|z |< 1}. The bounds for the initial coefficients for the functions in these classes are studied. The earlier known results follow as special cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine incidence, risk factors, and short-term outcomes of young stroke in Ludhiana city, Northwest India. Methods: Data were collected on first-ever stroke in patients of age ≥18 years, from hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, general practitioners, and municipal corporation during March 2011-March 2013 in Ludhiana city, using the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Surveillance (WHO STEPS). Outcome was documented using the modified Rankin Scale at 28 days. Results: Of 2948 patients, 700 (24%) were in the age group 18-49 years. Annual incidence in this age group was 46/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 41-51/100,000). Hypertension (84%), diabetes mellitus (48%), and atrial fibrillation (AF) (12%) were found more common in >49 years age group, as compared with 18-49 years age group. Drug abuse (8.7% vs. 6% in age >49 years; P = 0.04) and tobacco intake (8.7% vs. 5.6% in age >49 years; P = 0.02) was more common in young people, that is, 18-49 years age group in comparison to older patients, >49 years age group. Recovery was better in younger subjects (60% vs. 46% in age >49 years P < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis, younger people were more often literate (odds ratio [OR] 2.52; 95% CI, 1.68-3.77; P < 0.001), employed (OR 3.92; 95% CI, 2.20-5.21; P < 0.001), and 374 (60%) had good clinical outcome, modified Rankin Scale <2 at 28 days follow-up as compared with 938 (46%) older patients (OR 1.52; 95% CI, 1.15-2.00; P = 0.003). Conclusion: Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, drug addiction, and tobacco intake were significantly associated with young stroke. Outcome was also better in younger people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Today, modern surgical and regenerative techniques with implant immediately placed into the prepared socket, predictable gap repair with bone substitutes and soft tissue grafts, have helped to eliminate concerns about bone deficiencies and allowed implant placement according to prosthodontic needs. Materials and Methods: The present in vivo study was designed to evaluate and compare the implant healing after immediate implant placement with or without bone graft and implant healing after delayed implant placement with or without bone graft. Crestal bone levels were compared in both the groups at preoperatively and postoperatively on immediate postoperatively, at 3rd month, and at 6th month. Results: Immediate implant group has more crestal bone level reduction at 3rd and 6th months as compared to the delayed implant group. Immediate implant with bone graft group has insignificant crestal bone level reduction at 3rd and 6th months as compared to immediate implant without bone graft group. Delayed implant with bone graft group has insignificant crestal bone level reduction at 3rd and 6th months as compared to delayed implant without bone graft group. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that clinical and radiographical bone healing in the delayed implant group with or without bone graft (Group Y) appears to be better than the immediate dental implant group with or without bone graft (Group X). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Today, modern surgical and regenerative techniques with implant immediately placed into the prepared socket, predictable gap repair with bone substitutes and soft tissue grafts, have helped to eliminate concerns about bone deficiencies and allowed implant placement according to prosthodontic needs. Materials and Methods: The present in vivo study was designed to evaluate and compare the implant healing after immediate implant placement with or without bone graft and implant healing after delayed implant placement with or without bone graft. Crestal bone levels were compared in both the groups at preoperatively and postoperatively on immediate postoperatively, at 3rd month, and at 6th month. Results: Immediate implant group has more crestal bone level reduction at 3rd and 6th months as compared to the delayed implant group. Immediate implant with bone graft group has insignificant crestal bone level reduction at 3rd and 6th months as compared to immediate implant without bone graft group. Delayed implant with bone graft group has insignificant crestal bone level reduction at 3rd and 6th months as compared to delayed implant without bone graft group. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that clinical and radiographical bone healing in the delayed implant group with or without bone graft (Group Y) appears to be better than the immediate dental implant group with or without bone graft (Group X). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural history and treatment landscape of primary brain tumours are complicated by the varied tumour behaviour of primary or secondary gliomas (high-grade transformation of low-grade lesions), as well as the dilemmas with identification of radiation necrosis, tumour progression, and pseudoprogression on MRI. Radiomics and radiogenomics promise to offer precise diagnosis, predict prognosis, and assess tumour response to modern chemotherapy/immunotherapy and radiation therapy. This is achieved by a triumvirate of morphological, textural, and functional signatures, derived from a high-throughput extraction of quantitative voxel-level MR image metrics. However, the lack of standardisation of acquisition parameters and inconsistent methodology between working groups have made validations unreliable, hence multi-centre studies involving heterogenous study populations are warranted. We elucidate novel radiomic and radiogenomic workflow concepts and state-of-the-art descriptors in sub-visual MR image processing, with relevant literature on applications of such machine learning techniques in glioma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern data-intensive applications demand high computational capabilities with strict power constraints. Unfortunately, such applications suffer from a significant waste of both execution cycles and energy in current computing systems due to the costly data movement between the computation units and the memory units. Genome analysis and weather prediction are two examples of such applications. Recent field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) couple a reconfigurable fabric with high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to enable more efficient data movement and improve overall performance and energy efficiency. This trend is an example of a paradigm shift to near-memory computing. We leverage such an FPGA with HBM for improving the prealignment filtering step of genome analysis and representative kernels from a weather prediction model. Our evaluation demonstrates large speedups and energy savings over a high-end IBM POWER9 system and a conventional FPGA board with DDR4 memory. We conclude that FPGA-based near-memory computing has the potential to alleviate the data movement bottleneck for modern data-intensive applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a directed edge labeled graph G, to check whether vertex v is reachable from vertex u under a label set S is to know if there is a path from u to v whose edge labels across the path are a subset of S. Such a query is referred to as a label-constrained reachability (LCR) query. In this article, we present a new approach to store a compressed transitive closure of G in the form of intervals over spanning trees (forests). The basic idea is to associate each vertex v with two sequences of some other vertices: one is used to check reachability from v to any other vertex, by using intervals, while the other is used to check reachability to v from any other vertex. We will show that such sequences are in general much shorter than the number of vertices in G. Extensive experiments have been conducted, which demonstrates that our method is much better than all the previous methods for this problem in all the important aspects, including index construction times, index sizes, and query times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeybees are vital for global crop pollination, making indispensable contributions to agricultural productivity. However, these vital insects are currently facing escalating colony losses on a global scale, primarily attributed to parasitic and pathogenic attacks. The prevalent response to combat these infections may involve the use of antibiotics. Nevertheless, the application of antibiotics raises concerns regarding potential adverse effects such as antibiotic resistance and imbalances in the gut microbiota of bees. In response to these challenges, this study reviews the utilization of a probiotic-supplemented pollen substitute diet to promote honeybee gut health, enhance immunity, and overall well-being. We systematically explore various probiotic strains and their impacts on critical parameters, including survival rate, colony strength, honey and royal jelly production, and the immune response of bees. By doing so, we emphasize the significance of maintaining a balanced gut microbial community in honeybees. The review also scrutinizes the factors influencing the gut microbial communities of bees, elucidates the consequences of dysbiosis, and evaluates the potential of probiotics to mitigate these challenges. Additionally, it delineates different delivery mechanisms for probiotic supplementation and elucidates their positive effects on diverse health parameters of honeybees. Given the alarming decline in honeybee populations and the consequential threat to global food security, this study provides valuable insights into sustainable practices aimed at supporting honeybee populations and enhancing agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are no published normal values for spinal cord and canal diameters in newborns. Spinal cord and spinal canal diameters are assessed subjectively by radiologists without any objective values for the upper limit of normal. Objective: To determine normal values for anteroposterior (AP) diameters of the spinal cord and spinal canal on sonography in healthy term newborns. Materials and methods: We performed ultrasound of the entire spine on 37 healthy newborns (23 male, 14 female). The AP diameters of the spinal canal and spinal cord were measured at representative levels of the cervical (C4, C5, C6), thoracic (T5, T6, T7, T8) and lumbar spine (lumbar enlargement and above and below the lumbar enlargement level). Statistical analysis was performed to determine the mean and standard deviation of the spinal canal and spinal cord AP diameter at each aforementioned vertebral level, and their correlations with birth weight, length and head circumference. Results: The mean AP spinal cord diameter was 4.1±0.5 mm at the cervical level, 3.3±0.3 mm at the thoracic level and 4.4±0.6 mm at the lumbar level. The mean AP spinal canal diameter was 7.7±0.7 mm at the cervical level, 6.2±0.8 mm at the thoracic level, and 8.4±0.7 mm at the lumbar level. Conclusion: In this prospective study, we have determined normal values for AP diameters of the spinal cord and spinal canal on sonography in healthy newborns at representative cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels. This data may assist in evaluating the neonatal spine in clinical situations such as suspected spinal cord injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, biomaterials have attained great importance in medical sector owing to the urgent requirement of the material systems which can be suitable for different sorts of human body treatments. Among the various biomaterials available, commercially, polymeric materials occupy great importance because of their near-to-organ characteristics, biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and other essential mechanical features. The current applications of biopolymers include scaffolding, load-bearing implants, intraocular lenses, artificial heart valves, cardiovascular prostheses, cardiopulmonary bypass, hemodialysis, and dental and orthopedic applications. Although there exist numerous established fabrication routes for biopolymers, yet, their post processing is often required in order to achieve required geometrical and topographical performances. Therefore, machining of the processed biopolymers is often required. The aim of this article was to present a crisp review of the machining of different biopolymers. Further, being an ultraprecision machining operation, specific attention has been paid on the diamond turning technique as well as a case study has been performed to study the effect of process parameters on the resulting characteristics. Overall, the current work will provide a unique platform which could be helpful for young biomedical engineers and scientists focusing on precision surface engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human mitochondrial DNA presents several interesting characteristics, making it a favourable tool in the field of molecular anthropology, medical genetics, population history, and forensic science. The present study investigated the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region variations in diverse ethnic groups of North-West India for which population data is insufficient. The complete mtDNA control regions of 197 unrelated (for up to three generations) healthy individuals belonging to different ethnic groups of North-West India were sequenced. The haplotype frequencies, haplogroup distribution, and pairwise FST values between the studied and other worldwide populations were generated to study patterns of variation in human mtDNA. The results ascertained high gene diversity (0.998) in the studied maternal lineages, identifying 166 distinct haplotypes, of which 158 were unique and characterised by 117 variable sites. Three haplogroups: M3, M30, and U7 were observed to be the most prevalent, and phylogeographically a total of 55.86% of sequences were characterised into South Asian, followed by West Eurasian (40.18%) and East Asian (3.96%), ancestry haplogroups. Pairwise genetic differentiation comparisons revealed maternal homogeneity in the studied groups. No population substructure was detected within the North-West Indian populations. The results of this preliminary study will contribute to an existing database of mtDNA variations of the Indian population and facilitate prospective studies investigating population genetics and human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous evolution of antibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due to the misuse of antibiotics lays out the need for the development of new antimicrobials with higher activity and lower resistance. In this study, we have expressed novel chimeric endolysin CHAPk-SH3bk derived from LysK to investigate its antibacterial activity against planktonic and biofilm-forming MRSA. The molecular docking and MD simulation results identified critical amino acids (ASP47, ASP56, ARG71, and Gly74) of CHAPk domain responsible for its catalytic activity. Chimeric endolysin CHAPk-SH3bk showed an effective binding to peptidoglycan fragment using 14 hydrogen bonds. The in-vitro antibacterial assays displayed higher activity of CHAPk against planktonic MRSA with 2-log 10 reduction in 2 h. Both CHAPk and CHAPk-SH3bk displayed bactericidal activity against MRSA with ∼4log 10 and ∼3.5log 10 reduction in 24 h. Biofilm reduction activity displayed CHAPk-SH3bk reduced 33 % and 60 % of hospital-associated ATCC®BAA-44™ and bovine origin SA1 respectively. The CHAPk treatment reduced 47 % of the preformed biofilm formed by bovine-origin MRSA SA1. This study indicates an effective reduction of preformed MRSA biofilms of human and animal origin using novel chimeric construct CHAPk-SH3bk. Stating that the combination and shuffling of different domains of phage endolysin potentially increase its bacteriolytic effectiveness against MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea, prepared from the young leaves of Camellia sinensis , is a non-alcoholic beverage globally consumed due to its antioxidant properties, strong taste and aroma. Although, the genomic data of this medicinally and commercially important plant is available, studies related to its sub-cellular interactomic maps are less explored. In this work, we propose a genome-wide interologous protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of tea, termed as TeaGPIN, consisting of 12,033 nodes and 216,107 interactions, developed using draft genome of tea and known PPIs exhaustively collected from 49 template plants. TeaGPIN interactions are prioritized using domain-domain interactions along with the interolog information. A high-confidence TeaGPIN consisting of 5983 nodes and 58,867 edges is reported and its interactions are further evaluated using protein co-localization similarities. Based on three network centralities (degree, betweenness and eigenvector), 1302 key proteins are reported in tea to have p -value <0.01 by comparing the TeaGPIN with 10,000 realizations of Erdős-Rényi and Barabási-Albert based corresponding random network models. Functional content of TeaGPIN is assessed using KEGG and GO annotations and its modular architecture is explored. Network based characterization is carried-out on the transcription factors, and proteins involved flavonoid biosynthesis and photosynthesis pathways to find novel candidates involved in various regulatory processes. We believe the proposed TeaGPIN will impart useful insights in understanding various mechanisms related to growth and development as well as defence against biotic and abiotic perturbations. • We report genome wide interologous Tea protein interactome using 49 template plants. • TeaGPIN interactions were ranked using domain interactions and interolog statistics. • TeaGPIN was topologically evaluated against Erdős-Rényi and Barabási-Albert models. • Functional reliability of TeaGPIN was assessed using protein colocalization similarity. • Network based characterization of flavonoid biosynthesis and photosynthesis pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the study of certain new subclasses of analytic functions related to quasi-convex functions in the open unit disc E = {z: |z| < 1}. We establish some geometric properties such as the coefficient estimates, distortion theorems and growth theorems for these classes. The results proved earlier will follow as special cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presentation of cysticercosis is very heterogeneous both between and within countries. Several host and parasite factors are involved in this heterogeneity. Differences in the intensity of infection pressure have not been studied thus far. We have compiled data that could demonstrate that differences in infection pressure are involved in the still high prevalence of parenchymal neurocysticercosis and ocular cysticercosis in some countries (which have a stable infection pressure) and in the high proportion of extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis in others (which have had a progressive decrease in infection pressure). Therefore, the distribution of clinicoradiological forms of cysticercosis could be a marker of the intensity of infection pressure and could help to determine in which countries control programs should be a priority. Clear epidemiological data are lacking regarding the evolution of cysticercosis incidence and prevalence in different endemic countries. Therefore, it is difficult to compare these parameters across countries. Clinicoradiological presentation of neurocysticercosis (NCC) is heterogeneous in the same country and also between countries. The delay between infection and presentation of symptoms is variable and depends, among other things, on the locations of the parasites. We believe that the differences in the proportion of the different forms of cysticercosis between countries is linked, at least in part, to the differences in infection pressure in these countries. This paper allows for a better understanding of the infection dynamic and could contribute to the establishment of NCC control programs tailored to each country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonotic and vector-borne parasites are important preventable risk factors for epilepsy. Three parasitic infections - cerebral malaria, Taenia solium cysticercosis and onchocerciasis - have an established association with epilepsy. Parasitoses are widely prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries, which are home to 80% of the people with epilepsy in the world. Once a parasitic infection has taken hold in the brain, therapeutic measures do not seem to influence the development of epilepsy in the long term. Consequently, strategies to control, eliminate and eradicate parasites represent the most feasible way to reduce the epilepsy burden at present. The elucidation of immune mechanisms underpinning the parasitic infections, some of which are parasite-specific, opens up new therapeutic possibilities. In this Review, we explore the pathophysiological basis of the link between parasitic infections and epilepsy, and we consider preventive and therapeutic approaches to reduce the burden of epilepsy attributable to parasitic disorders. We conclude that a concerted approach involving medical, veterinary, parasitological and ecological experts, backed by robust political support and sustainable funding, is the key to reducing this burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with certain subclasses of univalent and bi-univalent functions related to shell-like curves connected with Fibonacci numbers. We find estimates of the initial coefficients ja2j and ja3j for the functions in these classes. Also we investigate upper bounds for the Fekete-Szego functional and second Hankel determinant for these classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing level of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria, together with the lack of new potential drug scaffolds in the pipeline, make the problem of infectious diseases a major public health concern. Thus, in this context, a novel series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐substituted thiophenes (4 a–m) and 1,2,4‐triazole (6 a–m) substituted thiophene derivatives were synthesized. Characterization of all the synthesized derivatives was done by various spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against various pathological strains using broth dilution and disc diffusion method. In particular, compound 6 e and 4 e exhibited significant inhibitory potential with MIC ranging from 2–7 μg mL−1 against S. aureus, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Additionally, compound 6 e was found to be highly potent against methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA; MIC=2 μg mL−1). Molecular docking studies were also performed to confer the possible mode of action and association studies indicate the binding of potent active compound with DHFR enzyme (Ka=2.10×103 M−1). Further, the mechanism of action has also been explored by atomic force microscopy (AFM), which reveals the bacterial cell wall deformity and cell wall rupturing that may lead to bacteria cell death. Additionally, in silico ADME prediction study suggested the drug like properties of active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]