A low-cost PPG sensor-based empirical study on healthy aging based on changes in PPG morphology.

Objective: We study the changes in morphology of the photoplethysmography (PPG) signals-acquired from a select group of South Asian origin-through a low-cost PPG sensor, and correlate it with healthy aging which allows us to reliably estimate the vascular age and chronological age of a healthy person as well as the age group he/she belongs to.

Methods: Raw infrared PPG data is collected from the finger-tip of 173 appar- ently healthy subjects, aged 3-61 years, via a non-invasive low- cost MAX30102 PPG sensor. In addition, the following metadata is recorded for each subject: age, gender, height, weight, family history of cardiac disease, smoking history, vitals (heart rate and SpO2).

The pattern of anti-IL-6 versus non-anti-IL-6 biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Wales, UK: a real-world study using electronic health records.

Objective: Investigating factors associated with drug initiation and discontinuation in patients treated with anti-IL-6 biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) (tocilizumab or sarilumab) non-anti-IL-6 (anti-TNF, B or T cell therapies) bDMARDs for RA.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with the diagnosis of RA in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank, comprising primary and secondary care and specialist rheumatology clinic records for >90% of the population in Wales, UK. Patients initiated on first bDMARD treatment, discontinuation and clinical outcomes including infection and hospitalisation were analysed using Cox regression analysis.

IndoHerb: Indonesia medicinal plants recognition using transfer learning and deep learning.

The rich diversity of herbal plants in Indonesia holds immense potential as alternative resources for traditional healing and ethnobotanical practices. However, the dwindling recog-nition of herbal plants due to modernization poses a significant challenge in preserving this valuable heritage. The accurate identification of these plants is crucial for the continuity of traditional practices and the utilization of their nutritional benefits.

Algae-Derived Nacre-like Dielectric Bionanocomposite with High Loading Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Green Electronics.

The surging demand for electronics is causing detrimental environmental consequences through massive electronic waste production. Urgently shifting toward renewable and eco-friendly materials is crucial for fostering a green circular economy. Herein, we develop a multifunctional bionanocomposite using an algae-derived carbohydrate biopolymer (alginate) and boron nitride nanosheet (BNNS) that can be readily employed as a multifunctional dielectric material.

Advancing Chickpea Breeding: Omics Insights for Targeted Abiotic Stress Mitigation and Genetic Enhancement.

Chickpea is a major source of proteins and is considered the most economically vital food legume. Chickpea production is threatened by several abiotic and biotic factors worldwide. The main constraints limiting worldwide chickpea production are abiotic conditions such as drought, heat, salinity, and cold.

Optimization of extraction for efficient recovery of kenaf seed protein isolates: evaluation of physicochemical and techno-functional characteristics.

Background: Kenaf seeds are a rich source of protein; however, finding the best extraction method is crucial to obtaining high-quality protein from these underutilized seeds. This research devised an optimized extraction process for best recovery of kenaf seeds protein using response surface methodology. The key parameters affecting the yield and protein content were optimized, including extraction pH (2-11), seed:water ratio (5:1-50:1), temperature (30-90 °C), and duration (20-360 min).

Receipt of social services intervention in childhood, educational attainment and emergency hospital admissions: longitudinal analyses of national administrative health, social care, and education data in Wales, UK.

Background: Research consistently finds poorer health and educational outcomes for children who have experienced out-of-home care relative to the general population. Few studies have explored differences between those in care and those in receipt of intervention from social services but not in care. Children receiving social services interventions often experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and deprivation, which are known to negatively impact outcomes.

Tuning Dielectric Properties with Nanofiller Dimensionality in Polymer Nanocomposites.

Polymer nanocomposites hold great potential as dielectrics for energy storage devices and flexible electronics. The structural architecture of the nanofillers is expected to play a crucial role in the fundamental mechanisms governing the electrical breakdown and dielectric properties of the nanocomposites. However, the effect of nanofiller structure and dimensionality on these properties has not been studied thoroughly to date.

Type III Collagen RNA Level Expression in Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Changes in the expression of type III collagen have been linked to women's predisposition to pelvic organ prolapse (POP); however, the findings of prior studies have been conflicting. This study was aimed at investigating whether changes in the type III collagen gene expression levels occur in POP development.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on research articles that evaluated type III collagen gene expression levels in patients with POP compared with those without the condition.

Genome-wide analysis and prediction of chloroplast and mitochondrial RNA editing sites of AGC gene family in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) for abiotic stress tolerance.

Background: Cotton is one of the topmost fiber crops throughout the globe. During the last decade, abrupt changes in the climate resulted in drought, heat, and salinity. These stresses have seriously affected cotton production and significant losses all over the textile industry.

Factors Associated with Psychological Distress, Fear, and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Despite being initially perceived as a local infectious disease, COVID-19 has emerged as one of the most perilous global health threats, significantly impacting the psychological well-being of individuals worldwide.

Objective: This cross-sectional descriptive study investigates the psychological distress, fear, and coping mechanisms among Thai people residing in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This online cross-sectional survey targeted Thai individuals during the first and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical outcomes of patients with deferred revascularisation based on fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) negative coronary artery lesions in Pakistani population.

Objective: To assess long-term clinical outcomes and factors associated with target vessel revascularisation in patients with deferred revascularisation based on negative fractional flow reserve and negative instantaneous wave-free ratio.

Methods: The longitudinal, retrospective study was conducted from July 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022, at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records from January 2012 to January 2020 of patients with deferred revascularisation having intermediate to severe coronary lesions on coronary angiogram and had negative fractional flow reserve >0.80 or instantaneous wave-free ratio >0.

Graphene-coated nickel in biological environments: role of structural defects.

Graphene (Gr) is a promising material for addressing microbially induced corrosion (MIC) issues that cause staggering economic losses, estimated at nearly $55 billion annually in the US alone. However, structural defects including edges, grain boundaries, and cracks can compromise its performance in aggressive biological environments. Owing to the technological relevance of nickel (Ni), its key roles in biological mechanisms, and the strong hybridization of d-electrons of Ni with Gr π-orbitals, we explore the effects of the key defects in Gr/Ni exposed to archetype sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB).

Supervised Automation of Cell Counting in Confocal Microscopic Cochlear Imaging Datasets Using Macro in Imaris.

Analyzing confocal microscopic data of biological samples using the Imaris software poses challenges due to its time-consuming nature involving tedious multiple steps and possibility of human errors. Here, we developed a supervised automation protocol to minimize manual input in cell and spot counting on confocal images obtained from mouse cochlear sections. The protocol increases efficiency by incorporating image recognition and object-oriented macros.

Correlates of Tobacco Use Among People with Mental Illness Within Asia: A Scoping Review.

Tobacco use among people with mental illness is one of the contributing risk factors for premature morbidity and mortality. Two in three people with mental illness are current smokers with deteriorating physical health and quality of life. This review outlines the prevalence and predictors of tobacco use among people with mental illness in Asia.