Crime against women in India: district-level risk estimation using the small area estimation approach.

Background: The global prevalence of crimes against women has made it an enduring public health challenge that has persisted over time. The achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is intricately tied to the actions taken to prevent these crimes as their repercussions directly affect progress across various SDGs. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive examination of the prevalence of crimes against women across districts and states in India, analyzing changes from 2020 to 2022, and subsequently identifying associated factors.

Assessment of Preanalytical Cerebrospinal Fluid Handling and Storage Factors on Measurement of Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40, and pTau181 Using an Automated Chemiluminescent Platform.

Background: Standardizing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) laboratory protocols will improve the reliability and availability of clinical biomarker testing required for prescription of novel Alzheimer disease (AD) therapies. This study evaluated several preanalytical handling and storage factors common to β-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42), β-amyloid1-40 (Aβ1-40), and phosphorylated tau (pTau181) concentrations including storage at different temperatures, extended cap contact, various mixing methods, and multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Methods: Aβ1-42, Aβ1-40, and pTau181 concentrations were measured using LUMIPULSE G1200 automated assays.

CSF Biomarkers Predict Gait Outcomes in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Background And Objectives: The assessment of biomarkers in selecting patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) for shunt surgery has been limited to small cohort studies and those with limited follow-up. We assessed the potential for CSF biomarkers in predicting immediate response to CSF tap test (TT) and long-term response after shunt surgery.

Methods: CSF was obtained from patients with iNPH referred for CSF TT after baseline assessment of cognition and gait.

The Clinical Utility of the MOCA in iNPH Assessment.

Objectives: We sought to estimate reliable change thresholds for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for older adults with suspected Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH). Furthermore, we aimed to determine the likelihood that shunted patients will demonstrate significant improvement on the MoCA, and to identify possible predictors of this improvement.

Methods: Patients ( = 224) presenting with symptoms of iNPH were given a MoCA assessment at their first clinic visit, and also before and after tap test (TT) or extended lumbar drainage (ELD).

Ocular surface temperature measurement in diabetic retinopathy.

Infrared thermography provides functional imaging by picturing the temperature pattern of the region imaged. The temperature correlates to the blood flow pattern and is used in the diagnosis of diseases like breast cancer, peripheral vascular disorders, diabetic neuropathy and fever screening. In the present study, the usage of ocular thermography for diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy is explored.

Predictors of cognitive impairment in pseudotumor cerebri.

Aims Of The Study: We aimed to define the cognitive burden of the largest pseudotumor cerebri syndrome (PTCS) population to date, compare objective to subjective cognitive dysfunction, and determine clinical predictors of cognitive dysfunction amongst an array of previously unstudied factors.

Clinical Rationale: Patients with PTCS commonly report cognitive dysfunction, a factor associated with poor quality of life. It is not definitively known whether cognitive impairment is present in these patients, and what features of the syndrome predict impairment.

Effect of Patient-Specific Preanalytic Variables on CSF Aβ1-42 Concentrations Measured on an Automated Chemiluminescent Platform.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers are increasingly used to confirm the accuracy of a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer disease (AD). Recent evidence suggests that fully automated assays reduce the impact of some preanalytical factors on the variability of these measures. This study evaluated the effect of several preanalytical variables common in clinical settings on the variability of CSF β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ1-42) concentrations.

Hybrid Ni-Boron Nitride Nanotube Magnetic Semiconductor-A New Material for Spintronics.

Here, we report the presence of ferromagnetism in hybrid nickel-boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with an ordered structure, synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using elemental boron, nickel oxide as the catalyst, and ammonia gas as the source for nitrogen. In previous studies, the nanotubes were synthesized with two metal oxide catalysts, whereas here, only a single catalyst was used. The nanotube's structure was determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Standardized regression-based clinical change score cutoffs for normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Background: Presently, for patients presenting with suspected Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) who undergo temporary drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) there is no defined model to differentiate chance improvement form clinical significance change at the individual patient level. To address this lack of information we computed standard regression based clinical change models for the 10 Meter Walk Test, Timed Up & Go, Dual Timed Up & Go, 6-Minute Walk Test, Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Symbol Digit Modalities using data from patients with suspected NPH that underwent temporary drainage of CSF. These clinically significant change modes can classify clinically significant improvement following temporary drainage of CSF at the individual patient level.

The Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Cluster Headache: A Systematic Review.

Aims: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of cluster headache.

Methods: A systematic review and data quality analysis were performed using PRISMA and GRADE guidelines, respectively. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were outlined prior to the search and aimed to select prospective studies that examined the use of botulinum toxin for the treatment of cluster headache.

Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in Tension-Type Headaches: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Botulinum toxin is approved to treat chronic migraine and has been shown to confer significant benefit in refractory cases. Due to its effect on pain by sensory modulation, there may also be efficacy in its use in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH).

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using our predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

A Randomized Trial of Ketorolac vs. Sumatripan vs. Placebo Nasal Spray (KSPN) for Acute Migraine.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of ketorolac nasal spray (NS) vs. placebo and sumatriptan NS for the acute treatment of migraine.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo and active-comparator, crossover study.

The Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on the Burden of Migraine: Results From the National Comorbidity Survey-Replication.

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked with migraine in prior studies.

Objective: To evaluate the individual and joint burdens of migraine and PTSD in a population-based cohort.

Methods: The National Comorbidity Survey-Replication (NCS-R) is a general population study conducted in the United States from February 2001-April 2003.

Protoporphyrin IX-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy--An In-Vitro Study.

Targeted drug delivery system using nanoparticles is a promising strategy for efficient Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as they have the potential to overcome the problems of photosensitizer and enhance the effectiveness and specificity of PDT. In this study, Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) conjugated gold nanoparticles were synthesized using electrostatic and covalent conjugation scheme. Folic acid (FA) was also conjugated suitably to the covalent complex to vectorize the complex.

A step out of the dark: improving the sleep medicine knowledge of trainees.

Objective: Over 40-million Americans are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or untreated for sleep disorders. Despite the growing need to integrate sleep medicine knowledge into the medical education curriculum, educational leaders have struggled to incorporate contemporary medical topics such as sleep medicine into the already packed curricula. We set out to examine the efficacy of an online, self-paced, sleep medicine learning module as an educational tool for medical students.

Periodontal disease in pregnancy is a risk factor for preeclampsia.

Many recent studies have evaluated the relation between periodontitis and pregnancy complications. This study aimed to examine the association between preeclampsia and periodontitis in Indian women. A total of 130 pregnant women were enrolled between 26-32 weeks of gestation.

Concentration dependent aggregation properties of chlorhexidine salts.

Purpose: Chlorhexidine (CHX), a chemical antiseptic, is known to bind to dentin and has been shown to be effective in treating bacterial infections caused by microbes. The solubility and aggregation properties of CHX salts were determined to guide the development of a sustained release formulation for long-term disinfection.

Methods: The amount of CHX in solution was determined as a function of counterion concentration (chloride, acetate (Ac) or gluconate (G)) by UV spectrophotometry at 255nm.

Solubility properties of chlorhexidine salts.

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is effective in treating oral bacterial infections. The solubility was shown to be highly dependent on the salt present in solution. Gluconate enhances the amount of CHX diacetate in solution possibly through mixed micelles formation, because the solubility product is such that the concentration of CHX will exceed the critical micelle concentration.

Cross-sectional population-based study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HIV/AIDS in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India.

Objective: To assess HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the general population in South India.

Methods: The 1669 participants (834 males, 835 females) aged 19-49 years were surveyed using a stratified 2-stage random sampling design with probability proportional to size.

Results: Although 54% of participants knew that AIDS is caused by "HIV" virus and 44% could correctly identify all modes of transmission, 52% believed in one or more myths, 41% did not know that condoms can prevent HIV, and 18% had not heard of a condom.

HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, perceived benefits, and risks of HIV testing among pregnant women in rural Southern India.

The rising prevalence of HIV among pregnant women in rural India is of great concern. Prenatal voluntary counseling and HIV testing (VCT) is critical to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). We surveyed 202 pregnant women attending a rural antenatal clinic in Southern India to investigate HIV-related knowledge, attitudes toward infant feeding practices, and perceived benefits and risks of HIV testing.