Improving adolescent health and nutrition in South Asia.

Regional cross sectoral action is a policy imperative

Electret-Inspired Charge-Injected Hydrogel for Scar-Free Healing of Bacterially Infected Burns Through Bioelectrical Stimulation and Immune Modulation.

In this study, an electret-inspired, charge-injected hydrogel called QOSP hydrogel (QCS/OD/SDI/PANI/PS/Plasma) that promotes scar-free healing of bacteria-infected burns through bioelectrical stimulation and immune modulation, is presented. The hydrogel, composed of quaternized chitosan (QCS), oxidized dextran (OD), sulfadiazine (SDI), polystyrene (PS), and polyaniline nanowires (PANI), forms a conductive network capable of storing and releasing electric charges, emulating an electret-like mechanism. This structure delivers bioelectrical signals continuously, enhancing wound healing by regulating immune responses and minimizing fibrosis.

Efficacy of malic and tartaric acid in mitigation of cadmium stress in Spinacia oleracea L. via modulations in physiological and biochemical attributes.

The increasing level of cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil due to anthropogenic actions is a significant problem. This problem not only harms the natural environment, but it also causes major harm to human health via the food chain. The use of chelating agent is a useful strategy to avoid heavy metal uptake and accumulation in plants.

Experience, access and utilisation of fertility care for infertile men within the biomedical sector in urban Bangladesh: protocol for a qualitative study.

Introduction: One in six people of reproductive age experience infertility in their lifetime throughout the world, often with devastating consequences. Men are often invisible in infertility research and services, yet masculinity and reproductive agency intersect within social, cultural and religious contexts to shape their experiences of infertility and masculine expression. This study aims to provide insights into the lived experience of male infertility, the availability and access of infertility services for men within the biomedical sector in Bangladesh and the potential willingness of men to use home-based semen testing.

Expression of mastitis causing fibrinogen binding protein of gram positive bacteria in genetically engineered switchgrass and antibodies production in mice.

The current study is the first comprehensive report on the expression of fibrinogen binding protein (FIB) antigen in the genetically engineered switchgrass. Mammary tissue inflammation is one of the major infectious diseases caused by in the dairy animals. The aim of the present study is to develop an efficient and economical bioengineered immunogen for controlling mastitis in developing countries.

Spiritual Well-Being in Appalachian Family Caregivers.

Introduction: Dementia and heart failure (HF) are the most common co-existing end-of-life conditions among rural older adults requiring extensive caregiving. Studies conducted in Appalachia have found that caregivers report a lack of information about palliative care and managing complex care at home. They also indicate the need for spiritual support.

Dr. Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati: The Queen of Hearts.

Dr. Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati was the first female cardiologist in India. She set the foundation for cardiovascular treatment in India, going above and beyond to seek extensive cardiovascular education.

Corrigendum: How path integration abilities of blind people change in different exploration conditions.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.

Surfactant-Assisted Wet Granulation-Based Matrix Tablets without Exceptional Additives: Prolonging Systemic Exposure of Model BCS Class II Ketoprofen.

The present study was aimed to ameliorate the issue of solubility and thereby, bioavailability of ketoprofen, a BCS Class II drug. The sustained release matrix tablets (MT) were prepared using surfactant-assisted wet granulation (SAWG) with 1-5% of different surfactants. The tablet characteristics were within the compendial limits.

Effective community-based interventions to prevent and control infectious diseases in urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

Background: The impact of rapid urbanization taking place across the world is posing variegated challenges. Especially in terms of communicable disease, the risk is more concentrated in urban poor areas where basic amenities are inadequate. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the effective community-based interventions (CBIs) aimed at preventing and controlling infectious diseases among the urban poor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

High-Sensitivity and Fast-Response Photomultiplication Type Photodetectors Based on Quasi-2D Perovskite Films for Weak-Light Detection.

Photovoltaic photodiodes often face challenges in effectively harvesting electrical signals, especially when detecting faint light. In contrast, photomultiplication type photodetectors (PM-PDs) are renowned for their exceptional sensitivity to weak signals. Here, an advanced PM-PD is introduced based on quasi 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (Q-2D RP) perovskites, optimized for weak light detection at minimal operating voltages.

Palliative care for patients with heart failure and family caregivers in rural Appalachia: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating disease with worsening symptoms and family caregiving burden. HF affects more than 8 million Americans. West Virginia has the highest HF death rate in the U.

Preliminary assessment of microplastic in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere region of mangrove at four locations along Karachi coast, Pakistan.

Mangrove ecosystem faces significant threats from the various pollutants including microplastic (MPs). The aim of this study was to assess variations in MP distribution in mangrove sediments of rhizosphere (R) and non-rhizosphere (NR) regions. A total of 14,960 MP particles were identified from Sandspit backwater (SS-1 & SS-2) and Creek areas (PQ & KC).

Graphene photodetectors integrated with silicon and perovskite quantum dots.

Photodetectors (PDs) play a crucial role in imaging, sensing, communication systems, etc. Graphene (Gr), a leading two-dimensional material, has demonstrated significant potential for photodetection in recent years. However, its relatively weak interaction with light poses challenges for practical applications.

How path integration abilities of blind people change in different exploration conditions.

For animals to locate resources and stay safe, navigation is an essential cognitive skill. Blind people use different navigational strategies to encode the environment. Path integration significantly influences spatial navigation, which is the ongoing update of position and orientation during self-motion.

Caesarean delivery and neonatal mortality: evidence from selected slums in and around Dhaka city, Bangladesh- A prospective cohort study.

Background: This study examined the neonatal mortality for newborn of women who delivered by caesarean section or vaginally using a prospective cohort.

Methods: A total of 6,989 live births registered from 2016 to 2018, were followed for neonatal survival from the selected slums of Dhaka (North and South) and Gazipur city corporations, where icddr,b maintained the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). Neonatal mortality was compared by maternal and newborn characteristics and mode of delivery using z-test.

Preoperative risk factors for anastomotic leak after esophagectomy with gastric reconstruction: A 6-year national surgical quality improvement (NSQIP) database analysis.

Background: Anastomotic leak is a serious complication after esophagectomy that has been associated with worse outcomes. However, identifying patients at increased risk for anastomotic leak remains challenging.

Methods: Patients were included from the 2016 to 2021 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database who underwent elective esophagectomy with gastric reconstruction for cancer.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of LASER, Desensitizing Agents, and their Combined Effect on Dentinal Hypersensitivity in Bicuspids: Study.

Aim: This study aimed to know the potential of diode light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) and desensitizing agents on blocking the dentinal tubules, which may further help in reducing the most common dental problem named dentinal hypersensitivity (DH).

Materials And Methods: Sixty human permanent bicuspids were selected, and preparation was performed in the cervical region measuring 2.5 mm × 2.

Mitapivat-Associated Rib Fracture in a Hemolytic Anemia Patient.

Hereditary hemolytic anemia associated with pyruvate kinase deficiency is a rare hematological disorder that affects the glycolic pathway within red blood cells. The standard of care includes splenectomy, transfusions, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, these treatments can lead to common iatrogenic side effects such as infections, surgical complications, and iron overload.

Family Caregiving of Patients With Heart Failure and Vascular Dementia in Rural Appalachia: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Introduction: Vascular dementia and heart failure (HF) are common co-existing conditions among adult populations. Each condition requires extensive home caregiving from family caregivers, especially those in rural Appalachia. This study aimed to assess caregivers' burden and their physical and mental health status, as well as explore their experiences and needs.

The development and evaluation of a short-term international student research and educational program.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the "how-to" details and processes for developing and evaluating a short-term international student research and education program.

Methods: This study included two parts: development and implementation, and evaluation of the program. A foreign doctoral nursing student requested to visit the West Virginia University School of Nursing for research training and academic teaching experience.

Investigating the effects of valproic acid on placental epigenetic modifications and development in the CD-1 mouse model.

Gestational exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is associated with congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders through its action as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. VPA can elicit placental toxicity and affect placental growth and development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of maternal exposure to VPA on the mouse placenta following exposure on gestational day (GD) 13 since previous studies have shown that mice exposed at this time during gestation give birth to offspring with an autism spectrum disorder-like phenotype.

Strengthening health service delivery and governance through institutionalizing 'Urban Health Atlas'-A geo-referenced Information Communication and Technology tool: Lessons learned from an implementation research in three cities in Bangladesh.

Introduction: Urban health governance in Bangladesh is complex as multiple actors are involved and no comprehensive data are currently available on infrastructure, services, or performance either in public and private sectors of the healthcare system. The Urban Health Atlas (UHA)-a novel and interactive geo-referenced, web-based visualization tool was developed in Bangladesh to provide geospatial and service information to decision makers involved in urban health service planning and governance. Our objective was to study the opportunities for institutionalization of the UHA into government health systems responsible for urban healthcare delivery and document the facilitators and barriers to its uptake.

Preterm birth and neonatal mortality in selected slums in and around Dhaka City of Bangladesh: A cohort study.

Background: Although under-five mortality has declined appreciably in Bangladesh over the last few decades, neonatal mortality still remains high. The objective of the study is to assess the level and determinants of preterm birth and the contribution of preterm birth to neonatal mortality.

Methods: Data for this study came from selected slums in and around Dhaka city, where; since 2015, icddr,b has been maintaining the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS).

Cloning of maize chitinase 1 gene and its expression in genetically transformed rice to confer resistance against rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae.

Fungal pathogens are one of the major reasons for biotic stress on rice (Oryza sativa L.), causing severe productivity losses every year. Breeding for host resistance is a mainstay of rice disease management, but conventional development of commercial resistant varieties is often slow.