Impact of Xmn1 polymorphism on hydroxyurea therapy in children with HbE-βnon-transfusion dependent thalassemia: a cohort study.

Background: Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) inducers, among which hydroxyurea is the most extensively used, have shifted the paradigm toward the treatment of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). Xmn1 polymorphism (rs7482144) is characterized by substitution (C>T) at -158 position of the γ-globin gene, which leads to CC, CT, or TT genotype. Recently, the role of the Xmn1 polymorphism as a modifier of hydroxyurea therapy has attracted immense research interest.

Polypharmacy and self-medication among older adults in Indian urban communities-a cross-sectional study.

Older adults are vulnerable to unsafe medication practices. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence and factors of polypharmacy and self-medication among 600 older adults from six Indian cities. The updated Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions and Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment criteria (version 3) were used.

Unveiling the impact of anthropogenic wastes on greenhouse gas emissions from the enigmatic mangroves of Indian Sundarban.

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the mangrove ecosystem due to climate change have been an emerging environmental issue in the present scenario. However, the GHGs, emitted through anthropogenic causes in these vulnerable regions are often neglected. The level of soil pollution has increased due to the uncontrolled disposal of wastes from ports, ferry services, plastics, and metals, emitting huge amounts of GHGs.

Expanding Conjugate Space of RNAi Therapeutics: Ligand at the 3' End of the Antisense Strand Achieves Uncompromised In Vivo Potency and Efficacy and Reveals Interactions with the Argonaute-2 PAZ Domain.

The conjugation of the sense strands of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tri--acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), the ligand for a hepatocyte-specific receptor, enables the delivery of multiple clinically approved therapeutic agents that act through the RNA interference pathway. Here, we report the systematic evaluation of siRNAs with the 3' termini of antisense strands conjugated to GalNAc for the first time. These designs retained the same receptor affinity, in vitro and in vivo activities, as well as the same level of loading into the RNA-induced silencing complex as siRNAs with a GalNAc-conjugated sense strand.

Enhancing Rate and Selectivity for Hydrodechlorination of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) with Rh Catalysts.

Hydrodechlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) directly to polyethylene (PE) represents a way to repurpose PVC waste, while avoiding toxic and/or corrosive byproducts that are produced at the end of life. Prior studies identified a rhodium-catalyzed route to hydrodechlorinate PVC to form PE products with sodium formate as a hydrogen source. While all chlorine could be removed to form PE-like polymers, the reaction was slow and side reactions introduced undesirable cross-links in the polymer product.

Tonic ubiquitination of the central body weight regulator melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) promotes its constitutive exit from cilia.

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) is an essential regulator of body weight homeostasis. MC4R is unusual among GPCRs in that its activity is regulated by 2 opposing physiological ligands, the agonist ⍺-MSH and the antagonist/inverse agonist AgRP. Paradoxically, while MC4R localizes and functions at the cilium of hypothalamic neurons, the ciliary levels of MC4R are very low under unrestricted feeding conditions.

Brain Imaging Features in Patients with Gunshot Wounds to the Head.

To introduce the UChicago PBI Imaging score, a novel characterization of imaging features using head computed tomography (HCT) in patients with gunshot wounds to the head (GSWH) resulting in penetrating brain injury (PBI) and to quantify the association with mortality. We retrospectively collected and analyzed data from 230 patients with GSWH admitted to our Level 1 trauma center between May 1, 2018, and October 31, 2023. HCT images obtained on hospital arrival were evaluated for predefined imaging features by two blinded readers and arbitrated, when needed, by a third.

Requirements for fast multianalyte detection and characterisation via electrochemical-assisted SERS in a reusable and easily manufactured flow cell.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly sensitive analytical technique that captures vibrational spectra of analytes adsorbed to rough coin metal surfaces with remarkable signal intensities. However, its wider application is limited by challenges in substrate range, quantification, and the disposable nature of SERS substrates partly due to irreversible analyte adsorption-commonly referred to as the 'memory effect'. Overcoming these limitations and achieving real-time analysis in flow-through systems remains a key challenge for the advancement of SERS.

Structurally Modulated NiV-LDH with CdMoSe-Quantum Dots: Unlocking the Active Centers at S-Scheme Heterojunctions for Stimulating Photocatalytic HO Production and H Evolution.

Designing and accumulating quantum dots (QD) onto layered double hydroxide (LDH) for the photocatalytic production of H and HO is a formidable task. Here, we intended the synthesis procedure of CdMoSe-QD (CMS)-incorporated NiV-LDH (NV) through a facile in situ reflux method and explored the photocatalytic activities of the CMS/NV (CNV) heterostructure. CNV-1 exhibits a large interface contact area and assures excellent interfacial charge transfer ability.

Visible-Light-Induced Decarboxylative Annulation of α,β-Unsaturated Acids with Amines and α-Keto Acids for 2,4-Diarylquinoline Synthesis.

An efficient and sustainable approach for the synthesis of 2,4-diarylquinolines has been developed via a visible-light-promoted metal-free three-component decarboxylative annulation pathway. This one-pot protocol combines readily available feed-stock α,β-unsaturated acids, aromatic amines, and α-keto acids in a cascade manner to access substituted quinolines under eco-benign conditions. Moreover, mechanistic insights suggest initial C-C cross coupling followed by decarboxylative 6π electrocyclic annulation to afford the desired products.

Rising Trend of Substance Abuse Among Older Adults: A Review Focusing on Screening and Management.

There is undoubtedly an alarmingly rising trend of substance use among older adults. This has necessitated a paradigm shift in healthcare and propelled strategies aimed at effective prevention and screening. Age-related physiological changes, such as diminished metabolism and increased substance sensitivity, make older adults particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of substances.

Effect of brief reflective parenting in parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder: Pre and post-intervention study.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by marked impairments in social interaction and communication accompanied by a pattern of repetitive, stereotyped behaviors and activities. The prevalence rate after COVID-19 is 0.3%.

Prevalence of problematic eating behavior and assessment of awareness on eating disorder among medical students.

Background: There are few studies that highlight the problematic eating behavior of college students; however, similar data on the medical undergraduate population is sparse, especially in India. Awareness among medical students would be considered different compared to other students, owing to their training and education.

Aim: To know the prevalence of problematic eating behavior in medical undergraduate students and to measure the extent of awareness regarding problematic eating behavior present amongst the students.

Assessment of genetic diversity in for yield, nutritional traits and ensiling quality.

The low sugar content of tropical range grasses makes them difficult to ensiling. This study identified sugar rich (>7 % on dry matter basis) accessions of (), which is adequate to initiate lactic acid production during ensiling. a prominent range grass of grasslands in India followed by Africa, Pakistan, China and Australia.

Hepatic Amyloidosis Manifesting as Budd-Chiari Syndrome: An Unusual Presentation.

Amyloidosis is a rare infiltrative multisystemic disorder characterized by protein misfolding, leading to progressive organ failure. It can be either acquired or hereditary. Very few case reports regarding hepatic amyloidosis with Budd-Chiari syndrome have been reported up to date.

Age-Stratified Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children With Recurrent Abdominal Pain: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP), often considered functional, is a frequent complaint among pediatric patients. However, the increasing availability of advanced diagnostic tools like upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, tests for , and abdominal ultrasound have highlighted many organic causes, including () infection, whose prevalence in children remains unclear. Objectives To determine the age-stratified prevalence of infection and investigate its role along with other etiologies contributing to RAP in pediatric patients.

From phytomedicine to conventional drug research, to look for new drug molecule against monkey pox virus; a molecular docking, virtual screening and ADME analysis.

Globally, traditional and complementary therapies (such as homeopathy, phytotherapy and herbal medications) are becoming increasingly prevalent alongside modern medical care. The therapeutic substances used in homeopathy and other traditional complementary medicine disciplines are derived from these traditional applications. Numerous notable clinical and preclinical studies have shown their impact during COVID-19.

Complex Water Networks Visualized through 2.2-2.3 Å Cryogenic Electron Microscopy of RNA.

The stability and function of biomolecules are directly influenced by their myriad interactions with water. In this study, we investigated water through cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) on a highly solvated molecule, the ribozyme, determined at 2.2 and 2.

Electric Field-Tunable Superconductivity with Competing Orders in Twisted Bilayer Graphene near the Magic Angle.

Superconductivity (SC) in twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG) has been explored by varying carrier concentrations, twist angles, and screening strength, with the aim of uncovering its origin and possible connections to strong electronic correlations in narrow bands and various resulting broken symmetries. However, the link between the tBLG band structure and the onset of SC and other orders largely remains unclear. In this study, we address this crucial gap by examining in situ band structure tuning of a near magic-angle (θ ≈ 0.

Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab in Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aims: No meta-analysis has holistically analyzed and summarized the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We undertook this meta-analysis to address this knowledge-gap.

Methods: Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving patients living with PMR receiving tocilizumab in intervention arm, and placebo/active comparator in control arm.

Metal-free Amorphous Cross-Linked Porous Organic Polymers for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Carbon Dioxide Reduction.

The use of solar energy to produce valuable chemicals has gained significant attention in recent years. In this area, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and carbon dioxide reduction have become key focal points. Recently, amorphous cross-linked porous organic polymers (CPOPs) have emerged as promising photocatalysts due to their tunable band gaps, broad light absorption range, and high porosity.

Cost-effectiveness of blood-based colorectal cancer screening - a simulation model incorporating real-world longitudinal adherence.

Objectives: Although U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended CRC screenings are effective; patient reluctance reduces adherence.

Dysfunctional KLRB1CD8 T-cell responses are generated in chronically inflamed systemic sclerosis skin.

Objectives: To analyse the immune mechanisms of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) skin disease focusing on CD8 T-cell responses in the affected skin of patients because chronic inflammation, vasculopathy, and extensive cutaneous fibrosis are prominent features of dcSSc skin disease, causing pain and disability in patients, with no effective therapy.

Methods: Single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics were applied to well-characterised patient skin samples to identify transcriptomes and key regulators of skin-resident CD8 T-cell subsets. Multicolor immunofluorescence miscoscopy was used to validate molecular findings.

Antiviral activity of ribosome inactivating proteins for management of plant viral infection.

In nature, plants exhibit various defense mechanisms to protect themselves from viral infection. Reported to harbor virus-inhibiting compounds like Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs). It's a matter of how we explore, identify, and utilize RIPs in managing a given stress.

Deployment and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines for refugees and migrants in regular and irregular situations: a mixed-method multicountry study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has widened inequities, affecting migrant and refugee populations in vulnerable situations, who may face elevated risks of infection, constrained healthcare access and discrimination. Inclusive vaccination campaigns are recommended, but barriers persist. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators and estimate vaccination coverage among refugees and migrants in low- and middle-income countries, emphasising inclusive policies for effective rollout.