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Abstract Objective This study aims to assess the economic burden of prostate cancer in Iran by analyzing direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs. We conducted a cross-sectional cost-of-illness study in Khorramabad, located in western Iran, during 2023, using a prevalence-based, bottom-up approach. Data were collected from 285 prostate cancer patients using questionnaires, interviews, and patient records. Results Our study estimated the economic burden of prostate cancer at $744,990. Direct medical costs accounted for 63.50% of this, totaling $153,330, with therapy being the largest component. Direct non-medical costs were $62,130, and indirect costs from productivity losses were $209,760. The calculated overall cost per patient was $2,614.88. Extrapolating from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease data, which reported approximately 83,000 prostate cancer patients in Iran, the national economic burden is estimated at $217,034,040. This substantial burden highlights the need for improved insurance coverage and early detection. The findings suggest that policymakers and healthcare providers in Iran should develop standardized cost analysis methods and enhance financial protection to alleviate economic strain and improve healthcare outcomes and sustainability.

Abstract An environmentally friendly, versatile multicomponent reaction for synthesizing isoxazol-5-one and pyrazol-3-one derivatives has been developed, utilizing a freshly prepared g-C3N4· OH nanocomposite as a highly efficient catalyst at room temperature in aqueous environment. This innovative approach yielded all the desired products with exceptionally high yields and concise reaction durations. The catalyst was well characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDAX, and TGA/DTA studies. Notably, the catalyst demonstrated outstanding recyclability, maintaining its catalytic efficacy over six consecutive cycles without any loss. The sustainability of this methodology was assessed through various eco-friendly parameters, including E-factor and eco-score, confirming its viability as a green synthetic route in organic chemistry. Additionally, the gram-scale synthesis verifies its potential for industrial applications. The ten synthesized compounds were also analyzed via a PASS online tool to check their several pharmacological activities. The study is complemented by in silico molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and molecular dynamics simulation studies. These studies discover 5D as a potential candidate for drug development, supported by its favorable drug-like properties, ADMET studies, docking interaction, and stable behavior in the protein binding cavity.

An airlift reactor with the external loop (EXL ALFR) is a widely used modified version of a Bubble Column Reactor (BCR). An EXL ALFR can also be used for a three-phase system with the solid phase in a packed or fluidized form. An EXL ALFR provides design flexibility for conventional chemical reactions as well as biological reactions. Shear is an important factor for the reactors handling immobilized enzymes. In the current investigation, the effect of the design variables, like gas hold-up, the velocity of circulating liquid, and the distribution of bubble dimension, was compared for an EXL ALFR and an external loop airlift reactor with a packed bed (EXL ALFR-PB). Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was employed for the liquid axial velocity in the downcomer of the reactors, and the computational fluid dynamic with the Population Balance Model (CFD-PBM) was employed. The minimum percentage of errors of 2.3% and 1.2% and the maximum of 4.2% and 3.4% were obtained for the experimental and predicted values of gas hold-up in the EXL ALFR and EXL ALFR-PB, respectively. For the velocity of the circulating liquid, the predicted and experimental values of their minimum percentage error were 1.1% and 0.5% and a maximum of 4.3% and 4.5% in EXL ALFR and EXL ALFR-PB, respectively. Also, the pressure drops calculated from the Ergun equation and CFD simulation had a 0 to 4% difference, indicating good agreement.

Abstract Background Esophageal cancer, a global health concern, impacts predominantly men, particularly in Eastern Asia. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) significantly influences prognosis, and current imaging methods exhibit limitations in accurate detection. The integration of radiomics, an artificial intelligence (AI) driven approach in medical imaging, offers a transformative potential. This meta-analysis evaluates existing evidence on the accuracy of radiomics models for predicting LNM in esophageal cancer. Methods We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searching Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for English-language studies up to November 16, 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on preoperatively diagnosed esophageal cancer patients with radiomics predicting LNM before treatment. Exclusion criteria were applied, including non-English studies and those lacking sufficient data or separate validation cohorts. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics and radiomics technical details. Quality assessment employed modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) and Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) tools. Statistical analysis involved random-effects models for pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using Deek’s test and funnel plots. Analysis was performed using Stata version 17.0 and meta-DiSc. Results Out of 426 initially identified citations, nine studies met inclusion criteria, encompassing 719 patients. These retrospective studies utilized CT, PET, and MRI imaging modalities, predominantly conducted in China. Two studies employed deep learning-based radiomics. Quality assessment revealed acceptable QUADAS-2 scores. RQS scores ranged from 9 to 14, averaging 12.78. The diagnostic meta-analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 0.72, 0.76, and 0.74, respectively, representing fair diagnostic performance. Meta-regression identified the use of combined models as a significant contributor to heterogeneity (p-value = 0.05). Other factors, such as sample size (> 75) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) usage for feature extraction, showed potential influence but lacked statistical significance (0.05

Background: The development of a comprehensive regulatory model for medical devices is essential to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical devices throughout their lifecycle, from design and development to post-market surveillance. This paper outlines a robust framework for such a regulatory model, detailing key components and processes necessary for effective regulation. Methods: The data and literature were collected from various databases including Springer, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis, Wiley, Bentham Science, and websites of different regulatory agencies. The collected data were utilized in the research work to formulate the new regulatory model. Results: Different guidelines represent acceptable regulatory practices for all medical items. There are four risk classification levels of the medical devices (class I–IV, based on the risk level). For every country, the regulatory requirements are different. Global regulations for medical device approval are essential to guaranteeing their quality, safety, efficacy, and performance before they can be put on the market to safeguard, prevent, enhance, and maintain public health. Different classes have different regulatory steps for approval of the devices, which varies from region to region. The World Health Organization’s Department of Essential Health Technologies’ Diagnostic Imaging and Medical Devices team has developed and implemented the Baseline Country Survey on Medical Devices. The proposed model includes the establishment of a clear legislative and regulatory framework, featuring a risk-based classification system aligned with international standards. It emphasizes rigorous pre-market requirements, including design controls, clinical evaluation, quality management systems, and technical documentation. Market authorization processes are described, highlighting pathways such as Premarket Notification (510(k)), Premarket Approval (PMA), and De Novo Classification, supported by thorough scientific review and expert advisory panels. The present study is all about the global requirements of the regulation of the medical devices and it was concluded that overall, a global comprehensive regulatory model for medical devices aims to strike a balance between ensuring patient safety, facilitating innovation, and enabling timely access to life-saving medical technologies around the world. Conclusion: The model advocates for international harmonization and collaboration, promoting regulatory convergence and the adoption of global standards. It also supports innovation through accelerated approval pathways and regulatory sandboxes, alongside continuous improvement driven by regulatory science research and stakeholder engagement. By integrating these elements, the comprehensive regulatory model aims to protect public health while fostering medical device innovation and ensuring global regulatory compatibility.

Several metabolites have been shown to have independent and at times unexpected biological effects outside of their metabolic pathways. These include succinate, lactate, fumarate, and 2-hydroxyglutarate. 2-Hydroxybutyrate (2HB) is a byproduct of endogenous cysteine synthesis, produced during periods of cellular stress. 2HB rises acutely after exercise; it also rises during infection and is also chronically increased in a number of metabolic disorders. We show here that 2HB inhibits branched-chain aminotransferase enzymes, which in turn triggers a SIRT4-dependent shift in the compartmental abundance of protein ADP-ribosylation. The 2HB-induced decrease in nuclear protein ADP-ribosylation leads to a C/EBPβ-mediated transcriptional response in the branched-chain amino acid degradation pathway. This response to 2HB exposure leads to an improved oxidative capacity in vitro. We found that repeated injection with 2HB can replicate the improvement to oxidative capacity that occurs following exercise training. Together, we show that 2-HB regulates fundamental aspects of skeletal muscle metabolism.

Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to infections than non-diabetics and often have severe clinical manifestations. The underlying immune dysregulations in these patients result in them developing serious, life-threatening infections. Pulmonary tuberculosis is a common respiratory infection seen in diabetics in India. However, there are certain rare yet life-threatening infections that can mimic pulmonary tuberculosis, like pulmonary aspergillosis. Pulmonary aspergillosis is seen in various immunocompromised patients. Rarely, it is also seen in diabetics with poor glycemic status. We present a case of pulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with type 2 diabetes who was undergoing treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. His symptoms persisted despite anti tubercular therapy. Based on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) findings and the galactomannan assay in BAL fluid, patient was diagnosed to have probable pulmonary aspergillosis. He was started on anti-fungal therapy with subsequent improvement in his signs and symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering fungal infections as an important differential in patients with diabetes with relevant pulmonary findings.

The microwave-assisted fluidized bed two-stage novel, energy-efficient drying method was used for Agaricus bisporus drying which can be further utilised for mushroom protein powder, and soup. The effect of microwave heating time (MHT), fluidized bed drying temperature (FBDT), and slice thickness (ST) on rehydration ratio, total colour difference (TCD), and overall acceptability of white button mushroom (WBM) powder was investigated. The optimized values, i.e., 1 min (MHT), 60 °C (FBDT), and 2 mm (ST), were obtained during optimization using design expert software (ver. 13.0.1). The result revealed that MHT, FBDT, and ST affect the responses significantly. TCD was found to be increased while overall acceptability decreased as MHT and FBDT increased. Rehydration is an important criterion for using dry products in curry or soup since they may absorb water. The optimized WBM (O-WBM) powder was used to prepare the soup mix. Out of three formulations (F1, F2, and F3), F3 had a 9 % O-WBM powder score with a maximum mean value for colour, taste, flavor, consistency, and overall acceptability, followed by F2 with a 7 % O-WBM powder. The soup’s composition includes functional ingredients such as garlic, shallots, and milk powder, making it healthier.

Abstract Background Selenium (Se) is a rare essential element that plays a vital role in the health and performance of animals. By interfering in the production of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase and methionine sulfoxide, Se plays a role in reducing the effects of oxidative stress and animal performance. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroxy‐selenomethionine (OH‐SeMet) in the diet of broiler breeder and old broiler breeder roosters on productive performance, reproduction and sperm quality parameters. Methods For this purpose, 260 broiler breeders of the Ross 308 strain were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications (13 hens and one rooster in each replication). Experimental treatments included: (1) a basal diet without OH‐SeMet (T1:control), (2) a broiler breeder diet without OH‐SeMet and a rooster diet containing 0.1 mg/kg OH‐SeMet (T2), (3) broiler breeder diet containing 0.1 mg/kg OH‐SeMet and rooster diet without OH‐SeMet (T3) and (4) broiler breeder and rooster diet contained 0.1 mg/kg OH‐SeMet (T4). Results The results showed that T3 and T4 treatments improved egg production, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control treatment (p

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) impacts multiple organs like the kidneys, heart, and liver, but primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as cough with sputum production, fever, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Research on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus-2 (CoV-2) has revealed impairments in lung function during the early recovery phase following COVID-19 infection. The aim is to understand the virus’s impact and identify any obstructive, restrictive, or mixed pulmonary alterations in medical professionals six weeks after recovery. Aim: To assess Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) six weeks after COVID-19 recovery in health science students at a medical college in North Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in North Karnataka, India, from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 155 COVID-19-recovered health science students were included, and their anthropometry, physiological parameters, and pulmonary parameters were recorded. The “Spirometer Helios 401” was used to estimate an individual’s PFT. Data were analysed using independent sample t-tests, with a p-value

In this paper, we provide a solution based on fast Fourier Transform (FFT) for frequency detection and interference analysis in a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) optical camera communications (OCC) link. The proposed NLOS MIMO-OCC uses two organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and a camera as transmitters (Txs) and the receiver, respectively, and reflections from various surfaces such as plain wall, paper and wooden surfaces. In this paper, for the first time, we analyze the performance of NLOS MIMO-OCC for two indoor scenarios utilizing two OLED Txs that are in phase and modulated at the same modulation frequency $f_{s}$ and especially when they are out of phase and under different $f_{s}$ . We carry out FFT for $f_{s}$ detection and interference analysis for OLEDs operating at different phases and $f_{s}$ . To analyze the performance of NLOS MIMO-OCC, first FFT-based $f_{s}$ detection is performed to identify Txs followed by evaluation of the reception success rates $R_{\mathrm {rs}}$ for a range of camera exposure times $t_{\exp }$ and the gain $G_{v}$ for a given $f_{s}$ . The results show that for two OLEDs in phase and different phases at $t_{\exp }$ of 1500, $G_{v}$ of 45 dB and a link span of 2 m, $R_{\mathrm {rs}}$ of 94% is achieved at $f_{s}$ of 600 Hz for the plain wall and paper reflectors. For interference analysis, the proposed FFT analysis gives accurate, i.e., 100 % $f_{s}$ detection in all the above cases.

Abstract Background Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health burden, particularly affecting vulnerable populations residing in slum areas which is characterized by overcrowding, poverty, and limited access to healthcare services, create an environment conducive to the transmission and spread of HIV. Despite the recognition of this issue, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the prevalence of HIV in slums. The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize the existing global evidence on HIV prevalence in slum populations. Methods A rigorous systematic literature review was conducted by searching multiple electronic databases, including Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), covering the period from January 1, 1990, to March 31, 2023. The quality and risk of bias for each included study were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The pooled prevalence with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model with the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. The degree of heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated using the I2 test. Publication bias was also assessed using Egger's test. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential factors contributing to the observed heterogeneity. Results A systematic examination of the relevant literature resulted in the inclusion of a total of 22 studies for the purpose of this meta-analysis. These studies collectively assessed a sizable cohort consisting of 52,802 participants. Utilizing a random-effects model, an estimation of the overall prevalence of HIV in the slum area was determined to be 10% (95% CI: 7–13%). Further delineation through subgroup analysis based on the gender revealed a higher prevalence of HIV among women, standing at 13% (95% CI: 8–19%, 18 studies: I2 = 98%), as opposed to men, where the prevalence was found to be 8% (95% CI: 6–12%, 16 studies: I2 = 95%). A geographical breakdown of the included studies revealed that Africa exhibited the highest prevalence, with a figure of 11% (95% CI: 9–13%, 18 studies: I2 = 98%). Subsequently, studies conducted in the American continent reported a prevalence of 9% (95% CI: 7–11%, 2 studies: I2 = 57%). The Asian continent, on the other hand, displayed the lowest prevalence of 1% (95% CI: 0–3%, 2 studies: I2 = 94%). Notably, studies employing rapid tests indicated a prevalence of 13% (95% CI: 9–17%, 6 studies: I2 = 94%), while those relying on self-reported data reported a lower prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 5–11%, 6 studies: I2 = 99%). Moreover, studies utilizing ELISA reported a prevalence of 9% (95% CI: 6–12%, 10 studies: I2 = 96%). Finally, it was determined that studies conducted in upper-middle-income countries reported a higher prevalence of 20% (95% CI: 16–24%, 5 studies: I2 = 45%), whereas studies conducted in lower- and middle-income countries reported a prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 6–10%, 12 studies: I2 = 98%). Conclusion The current study elucidates the troublingly high prevalence of HIV infection within slums area. Also, this finding underscores the urgent necessity for targeted and tailored interventions specifically aimed at curtailing the spread of HIV within slums. Policymakers must take cognizance of these results and devote their efforts towards the implementation of effective strategies to mitigate gender disparities, address poverty alleviation, and empower the inhabitants of these marginalized areas.

Heterocycles, compounds featuring heteroatoms like nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen, are integral in fields such as synthesis, pharmacology, and medicine. Among these, benzothiazoles, formed by fusing thiazole with benzene, hold significant prominence. Their unique reactivity, especially at the carbon position between nitrogen and sulfur, has sparked wide interest. Notably, 2-substituted benzothiazoles exhibit diverse biological activities, including anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making them valuable in drug discovery. This review unveils an array of mesmerizing methods employed by chemists to prepare these compounds using 2-aminothiophenol as one of the precursors with other varied reactants. From novel strategies to sophisticated methodologies, each section of this review provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of synthetic chemistry of 2-substituted benzothiazoles. Delving into the diverse synthetic applications of 2-substituted benzothiazoles, this paper not only enriches our understanding of their synthesis but also sparks the imagination with the possibilities for future advancements.