Assessment of Self-Medication Practices and Knowledge Among Medical Students in Chengalpattu District: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: The practice of self-medication is wherein individuals initiate the use of medications without consulting a healthcare professional. College life is a period marked by academic, social, and personal changes. Due to their greater freedom and the pressure of academic success, students face various health issues.

Miniaturized electrophoresis: An integrated microfluidic cartridge with functionalized hydrogel-assisted LAMP for sample-to-answer analysis of nucleic acid.

Accurate detection of pathogenic nucleic acids is crucial for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and containment of infectious diseases. It facilitates the timely identification of pathogens, aids in monitoring disease outbreaks, and helps prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings and communities. We developed a multi-layered, paper-based microfluidic and miniaturized electrophoresis system for rapid nucleic acid extraction, separation, amplification, and detection, designed for resource-limited settings.

Reservoir computing with logistic map.

Recent studies on reservoir computing essentially involve a high-dimensional dynamical system as the reservoir, which transforms and stores the input as a higher-dimensional state for temporal and nontemporal data processing. We demonstrate here a method to predict temporal and nontemporal tasks by constructing virtual nodes as constituting a reservoir in reservoir computing using a nonlinear map, namely, the logistic map, and a simple finite trigonometric series. We predict three nonlinear systems, namely, Lorenz, Rössler, and Hindmarsh-Rose, for temporal tasks and a seventh-order polynomial for nontemporal tasks with great accuracy.

ALDH1A3 is the switch that determines the balance of ALDH and CD24CD44 cancer stem cells, EMT-MET, and glucose metabolism in breast cancer.

Plasticity is an inherent feature of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and regulates the balance of key processes required at different stages of breast cancer progression, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) versus mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), and glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding the key factors that regulate the switch between these processes could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that limit tumor progression. We found that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) regulates these cancer-promoting processes and the abundance of the two distinct breast CSC populations defined by high ALDH activity and CD24CD44 cell surface expression.

Realization of logic gates in bi-directionally coupled nonlinear oscillators.

Implementation of logic gates has been investigated in nonlinear dynamical systems from various perspectives over the years. Specifically, logic gates have been implemented in both single nonlinear systems and coupled nonlinear oscillators. The majority of the works in the literature have been done on the evolution of single oscillators into OR/AND or NOR/NAND logic gates.

A paper-based point-of-care device for the detection of cysteine using gold nanoparticles from whole blood.

We present a colorimetric probe based on polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped gold nanoparticles (PVP-AuNPs) that is sensitive and selective for cysteine (Cys). A microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μ-PAD) with embedded dried PVP-AuNPs at the polyethersulfone (PES) paper surface is used for Cys detection. When thiol molecules attach to PVP-AuNPs in the presence of Cys, they clump together, and this causes the solution's color to shift from red to blue within 5 minutes.

Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog.

Small molecules that disrupt RAD54-BLM interaction hamper tumor proliferation in colon cancer chemoresistance models.

RAD54 and BLM helicase play pivotal roles during homologous recombination repair (HRR) to ensure genome maintenance. BLM amino acids (aa 181-212) interact with RAD54 and enhance its chromatin remodeling activity. Functionally, this interaction heightens HRR, leading to a decrease in residual DNA damage in colon cancer cells.

Exploration of field-like torque and field-angle tunability in coupled spin-torque nano oscillators for synchronization.

We investigate the influence of field-like torque and the direction of the external magnetic field on a one-dimensional array of serially connected spin-torque nano oscillators (STNOs), having free layers with perpendicular anisotropy, to achieve complete synchronization between them by analyzing the associated Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation. The obtained results for synchronization are discussed for the cases of 2, 10, and 100 oscillators separately. The roles of the field-like torque and the direction of the external field on the synchronization of the STNOs are explored through the Kuramoto order parameter.

ALDH1A3 promotes invasion and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer by regulating the plasminogen activation pathway.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) is a cancer stem cell marker that promotes metastasis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression has been linked to ALDH1A3-induced gene expression changes. To investigate the mechanism of ALDH1A3-mediated breast cancer metastasis, we assessed the effect of ALDH1A3 on the expression of proteases and the regulators of proteases that degrade the extracellular matrix, a process that is essential for invasion and metastasis.

Innovative Approaches to Improve COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Among Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants: Lessons Learned from a Newly Established National Resource Center.

Effective COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing (CICT) among refugee, immigrant, and migrant (RIM) communities requires innovative approaches to address linguistic, cultural and community specific preferences. The National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM) is a CDC-funded initiative to support state and local health departments with COVID-19 response among RIM communities, including CICT. This note from the field will describe NRC-RIM and initial outcomes and lessons learned, including the use of human-centered design to develop health messaging around COVID-19 CICT; training developed for case investigators, contact tracers, and other public health professionals working with RIM community members; and promising practices and other resources related to COVID-19 CICT among RIM communities that have been implemented by health departments, health systems, or community-based organizations.

Crystal-Induced Lower GI Necrosis in a Posttransplant Recipient with Diverticular Disease.

We report the case of a 67-year-old male kidney transplant recipient for 12 years with sodium polystyrene sulfonate crystal-induced ileocecal colitis. He had adult polycystic kidney disease with associated colonic diverticular disease. Here, we describe how a potentially fatal complication of colonic perforation was averted with appropriate investigations and management.

Microfluidics-Based Nanobiosensors for Healthcare Monitoring.

Efficient healthcare management demands prompt decision-making based on fast diagnostics tools, astute data analysis, and informatics analysis. The rapid detection of analytes at the point of care is ensured using microfluidics in synergy with nanotechnology and biotechnology. The nanobiosensors use nanotechnology for testing, rapid disease diagnosis, monitoring, and management.

Bio-inspired self-pumping microfluidic device for cleaning of urea using reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified polymeric nanohybrid membrane.

In vitro technology facilitates the replication of in vivo tissues more accurately than conventional cell-based artificial organs, enabling researchers to mimic both the structural and functional characteristics of natural systems. Here, we demonstrate a novel spiral-shaped self-pumping microfluidic device for the cleaning of urea by incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified a Polyethersulfone (PES) nanohybrid membrane for efficient filtration capacity. The spiral-shaped microfluidic chip is a two-layer configuration of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) integrated with the modified filtration membrane.

The Expanding Role of Cancer Stem Cell Marker ALDH1A3 in Cancer and Beyond.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3) is one of 19 ALDH enzymes expressed in humans, and it is critical in the production of hormone receptor ligand retinoic acid (RA). We review the role of ALDH1A3 in normal physiology, its identification as a cancer stem cell marker, and its modes of action in cancer and other diseases. ALDH1A3 is often over-expressed in cancer and promotes tumor growth, metastasis, and chemoresistance by altering gene expression, cell signaling pathways, and glycometabolism.

Recent advances in enzymatic biosensors for point-of-care detection of biomolecules.

Late state-of-the-art analytical methodologies in chromatography, spectroscopy, and electroanalysis have been developed to meet the challenges of changing environmental and health issues. The modern trends in developing new protocols emphasize economic, portable, nano, or even smaller sample sizes and less time-consuming processes. This has led to the development of technology-based biosensors which meet most of the above requirements.

Isolation of cancer stem cells from cultured breast cancer cells and xenografted breast tumors based on aldehyde dehydrogenase activity.

The heterogeneity of breast tumors is a major factor in the development, progression, and therapeutic response of breast cancer. In terms of therapy resistance, a subset of tumor cells commonly referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor initiating cells (TICs) have a prominent role. These cells have inherent increased tumorigenicity, self-renewal and differentiation capacity, and mechanisms for chemotherapy and radiation resistance.

Diagnostic Accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Antigen Self-Test in Comparison to Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Background: Currently, the rapid antigen test (RAT) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are considered the main stakeholders in COVID-19 diagnosis. In RT-PCR, any of at least 2 evolutionary conserved genes (RdRP, E-, N-, ORF1ab gene) and S-gene of SARS-CoV-2 are endorsed, and in RAT, the nucleocapsid antigen (N-Ag) of SARS-CoV-2 is considered due to its stability and fewer chances of mutation effects. In the present work, we evaluated the performance of the AG-Q COVID-19 N-Ag self-test kit and conducted a validation study in comparison with the RT-PCR.

Estimated Deficits in Nutrient Intake of ICDS Beneficiaries Who Receive Take Home Ration at Two Districts in Karnataka.

Background: The current estimates of energy and protein to bridge nutrient gap in the beneficiaries of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) supplementary nutrition program use sub-optimal methodology for deficit calculation.

Objective: To estimate the nutrient deficit and the risk of inadequate nutrient intake in beneficiaries of the ICDS, aged 6-36 months, using individual 24-hour diet recalls, from districts of Chitradurga and Davanagere in Karnataka.

Study Design: Cross-sectional design.

Breast Cancer Subtype-Specific miRNAs: Networks, Impacts, and the Potential for Intervention.

The regulatory and functional roles of non-coding RNAs are increasingly demonstrated as critical in cancer. Among non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most well-studied with direct regulation of biological signals through post-transcriptional repression of mRNAs. Like the transcriptome, which varies between tissue type and disease condition, the miRNA landscape is also similarly altered and shows disease-specific changes.

Spin torque oscillations triggered by in-plane field.

We study the dynamics of a spin torque nano oscillator that consists of parallelly magnetized free and pinned layers by numerically solving the associated Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation in the presence of a field-like torque. We observe that an in-plane magnetic field which is applied for a short interval of time (<1 ns) triggers the magnetization to exhibit self-oscillations from low energy initial magnetization state. Also, we confirm that the frequency of oscillations can be tuned over the range ∼25-∼72 GHz by current, even in the absence of field-like torque.

Inflammatory bowel diseases in Tamil Nadu: A survey of demographics, clinical profile, and practices.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasingly diagnosed in South Asia. This survey by the Tamil Nadu Chapter of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology (TNISG) documents the demography, clinical profile, and therapeutic practices related to IBD in Tamil Nadu.

Methods: TNISG members from 32 institutions completed an online cross-sectional questionnaire on IBD patients from March 2020 to January 2021.

Biodegradable nano composite reinforced with cellulose nano fiber from coconut industry waste for replacing synthetic plastic food packaging.

Environmental pollution due to the usage of non-biodegradable synthetic plastic and agro-waste disposal/burning are major issues nowadays. Hence, in the present study, agro-waste (coconut shells) was selected as raw material to synthesize cellulose nanofibers, and it was incorporated into a biodegradable packaging film to enhance its properties. Coconut shell cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were synthesized by a combination of mechanical (ball milling), chemical (acid hydrolysis), and physical (ultra-sonication) methods with an excellent yield of 41.

Identification and characterisation of novel wasp mastoparans and chemotactic peptides from the venom of social wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae).

is a common social wasp found in continental Southeast Asia. Despite its wide distribution and abundance, hitherto, there are no studies on small or medium molecular weight components of the venom. For the first time, this study has described the amino acid sequences and its post-translation modifications (PTM's) of four wasp-mastoparans (Ps 1524, Ps 1540, Ps 1556 and Ps 1630), three chemotactic peptides (Ps1417, Ps1434 and Ps1474) and one more (Ps1549) lysine rich peptide from the venom of .