Towards optimized methodological parameters for maximizing the behavioral effects of transcranial direct current stimulation.

Introduction: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) administers low-intensity direct current electrical stimulation to brain regions via electrodes arranged on the surface of the scalp. The core promise of tDCS is its ability to modulate brain activity and affect performance on diverse cognitive functions (affording inferences regarding regional brain activity and behavior), but the optimal methodological parameters for maximizing behavioral effects remain to be elucidated. Here we sought to examine the effects of 10 stimulation and experimental design factors across a series of five cognitive domains: motor performance, visual search, working memory, vigilance, and response inhibition.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) to Sinhala language.

Background: Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a widely used tool to assess functional capacity among patients, but there is no Sinhala version validated for patients in Sri Lanka. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and test the validity and reliability of the Sinhala version of DASI (DASI-S).

Methods: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the DASI questionnaire were conducted following the standard guidelines.

Eco-friendly treatment of copper smelting flue dust for recovering multiple heavy metals with economic and environmental benefits.

Handling flue dust in an environmentally friendly manner has become an urgent task for pollution prevention in the copper industry. Here, driven by the low-carbon notion, we report a process that enables the selective retrieval of multiple metals (As, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Bi) from copper smelting flue dust (CSFD). This process employed low-temperature roasting to separate arsenic from heavy metals, thereby eliminating the tedious separation steps required by existing processes.

Docetaxel-Loaded Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly (L-lactic Acid) Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer: Synthesis, Characterization, Method Validation, and Cytotoxicity.

This study aimed to synthesize and characterize DTX-mPEG-PLA-NPs along with the development and validation of a simple, accurate, and reproducible method for the determination and quantification of DTX in mPEG-PLA-NPs. The prepared NPs were characterized using AFM, DLS, zetasizer, and drug release kinetic profiling. The RP-HPLC assay was developed for DTX detection.

Development of New Azomethine Metal Chelates Derived from Isatin: DFT and Pharmaceutical Studies.

Through the condensation of isatin (indoline-2, 3-dione) and aniline in a 1:1 ratio, a Schiff base ligand was synthesized and characterized via (H-NMR, mass, IR, UV-Vis) spectra. Elemental analyses, spectroscopy (H-NMR, mass, UV-Vis), magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity, mass spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and thermal analysis have all been used to characterize a series of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) metal complexes derived from the titled ligand. The metal-to-ligand ratio is 1:1, according to the analytical data.

Method of developing Thermo-Kinetic diagrams: The Cu-HO-acetate and the Cu-HO systems.

A method to develop thermo-kinetic (TK) diagrams for the Cu-HO-acetate and Cu-HO systems is described. Conventional E-pH diagrams, also known as Pourbaix diagrams, are developed based on the thermodynamic stability of component species, typically in aqueous media. TK diagrams are an improvement on E-pH diagrams as they also describe the kinetics of electrochemical processes.

Complete migration of a composite mesh into small bowel incidentally found during laparotomy for colectomy in an asymptomatic patient: a case report.

Background: Composite meshes are used for incisional hernia repair because they enable intraperitoneal mesh placement due to their dorsal surface, which is made of inert material. We report, for the first time, to our knowledge, a case of composite mesh migration detected incidentally during a laparotomy for colon cancer in an asymptomatic patient.

Case Presentation: Our patient was a 71-year-old South Asian man who underwent ventral mesh repair following a postoperative complication after right hemicolectomy for colon cancer.

Controlling the dissolution of iron through the development of nanostructured Fe-Mg for biomedical applications.

In the field of biodegradable metallic materials, rapid and non-uniform biodegradation, caused by uncontrolled corrosion rates, is a potential shortcoming. Among the prominent biodegradable materials, magnesium is an attractive choice, however, it is prone to rapid dissolution. In contrast, iron possesses a slow dissolution rate.

Microstructural examination and corrosion behavior of selective laser melted and conventionally manufactured Ti6Al4V for dental applications.

The selective laser melting of Ti6Al4V would induce definite changes in the microstructure that may affect its corrosion properties. Microstructural examination showed the formation of relatively thin beta (β) lamella in selective laser melted (SLM) Ti6Al4V compared to wrought Ti6Al4V. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of alpha and beta phases in both SLM and wrought Ti6Al4V.

Functionalized graphene oxide coating on Ti6Al4V alloy for improved biocompatibility and corrosion resistance.

The present study focused on the development of magnesium-functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) coating on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) by electrophoretic deposition. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by modified Hummers' method and functionalized with magnesium ions. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to confirm the synthesis of GO and GO-coatings on Ti6Al4V.

A Hybrid Mineral Battery: Energy Storage and Dissolution Behavior of CuFeS in a Fixed Bed Flow Cell.

The development of a hybrid system capable of storing energy and the additional benefit of Cu extraction is discussed in this work. A fixed bed flow cell (FBFC) was used in which a composite negative electrode containing CuFeS (80 wt %) and carbon black (20 wt %) in graphite felt was separated from a positive (graphite felt) electrode by a proton-exchange membrane. The anolyte (0.

Colorectal cancer burden and trends in a South Asian cohort: experience from a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka.

Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasing in the south Asian region due to the changing socio-economic landscape and population demographics. There is a lack of robust high quality data from this region in order to evaluate the disease pattern and comparison. Using generalized linear models assuming Poisson distribution and model fitting, authors describe the variation in the landscape of CRC burden along time since 1997 at a regional tertiary care center in Sri Lanka.

Overall Survival of Elderly Patients Having Surgery for Colorectal Cancer Is Comparable to Younger Patients: Results from a South Asian Population.

Introduction: There has been a continuous debate on whether elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) fair worse. The aim of this study is to assess the thirty-day mortality (TDM) and overall survival (OS) of elderly patients undergoing surgery for CRC.

Method: OS between two groups (≥70 versus <70 years) having surgery for CRC was analyzed.

The pattern of KRAS mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer: a retrospective audit from Sri Lanka.

Objective: Activating mutations in the KRAS gene, found in approximately 53% of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) cases, can render epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors ineffective. Regional differences in these mutations have been reported. This is the first study which aims to describe the pattern of KRAS mutations in a Sri Lankan cohort of mCRC patients.

Resection of the large bowel suppresses hunger and food intake and modulates gastrointestinal fermentation.

Objective: To assess appetite and gut hormone levels in patients following partial (PR) or total resection (TR) of the large bowel.

Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was carried out with healthy controls (n = 99) and patients who had undergone PR (n = 64) or TR (n = 12) of the large bowel. Participants consumed a standard (720 kcal) breakfast meal at 0830 (t = 0) h followed by lactulose (15 g) and a buffet lunch (t = 210 min).

Comparison of hazard of death following surgery for colon versus rectal cancer.

Intorduction: Prognosis in cancer is usually assessed by use of Kaplan-Meier survival function estimate curves, which reflect survival, or the proportion of patients that will remain alive after a particular event at a given time. By contrast, hazard function represents the proportion expected to be deceased among those surviving at a given time after an event. Objectives To evaluate survival and hazard of death, in patients with colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC), as indices of prognosis.

Colorectal cancer in the young, many questions, few answers.

At a time where the incidence of colorectal cancer, a disease predominantly of developed nations, is showing a decline in those 50 years of age and older, data from the West is showing a rising incidence of this cancer in young individuals. Central to this has been the 75% increase in rectal cancer incidence in the last four decades. Furthermore, predictive data based on mathematical modelling indicates a 124 percent rise in the incidence of rectal cancer by the year 2030 - a statistic that calls for collective global thought and action.

Quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity analysis of pazopanib versus sunitinib in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Background: In a phase 3, randomized, open-label trial (Pazopanib versus Sunitinib in the Treatment of Locally Advanced and/or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma, COMPARZ; NCT00720941), pazopanib was found to be noninferior to sunitinib in terms of progression-free survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with no prior therapy. Overall treatment differences were evaluated in a post hoc analysis with a quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity (Q-TWiST) methodology.

Methods: Each patient's overall survival was partitioned into 3 mutually exclusive health states: time with grade 3 or 4 toxicity (TOX), time without symptoms of disease or grade 3/4 toxicity of treatment, and time after tumor progression or relapse (REL).

Imiquimod in the treatment of penile intraepithelial neoplasia: An update.

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), or penile squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is a rare disease and may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to avoid surgical intervention, which may result in poor cosmetic and functional outcomes for patients, many non-invasive treatments have been trialled with variable success rates. This review summarises the available literature describing the use of topical imiquimod for PIN.

Electrochemical & osteoblast adhesion study of engineered TiO2 nanotubular surfaces on titanium alloys.

TiO2 nanotubes were grafted on the surface of cpTi, Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al4V-ELI with the aim to provide a new podium for human pre-osteoblast cell (MC3T3) adhesion and proliferation. The surface morphology and chemistry of these alloys were examined with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. TiO2 nanotubes were further characterized by cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Incidental Syringomas of the Scalp in a Patient with Scarring Alopecia.

Syringomas are benign adnexal neoplasms of eccrine lineage, which occur most commonly in the periorbital region in middle-aged females. These cutaneous lesions rarely occur on the scalp, are typically asymptomatic and are predominantly of cosmetic significance. Involvement of the scalp may be indistinguishable from that of scarring alopecia.

Invisible Mycosis Fungoides: Not to be Missed in Chronic Pruritus.

Introduction: Pruritus without visible dermatoses may be the first manifestation of hematological malignancies such as Hodgkin disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mycosis fungoides (MF) and may precede the definitive diagnosis by weeks to years.

Case Report: We present a case of 'invisible' MF associated with chronic generalized pruritus in an elderly patient.

Conclusion: Our case highlights the importance of performing skin biopsies in patients with chronic unexplained pruritus, especially in the absence of cutaneous lesions.

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Masquerading as Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita: A Report of Two Cases.

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of porphyria worldwide and is often initially diagnosed when cutaneous manifestations arise. We present two patients where misdiagnosis of PCT occurred due to the condition masquerading as epidermolysis bullosa acquisita histologically. In patients with undifferentiated bullous/erosive skin conditions occurring in photo-distributed regions, PCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis irrespective of histopathological findings on biopsies and further investigated and treated appropriately.