Challenges and potential solutions to enrollment in a clinical trial of arteriovenous fistula vs arteriovenous graft vascular access strategy.

This article presents the rationale, challenges, and adaptive strategies employed during the initiation and execution of the arteriovenous (AV) access trial-a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing AV fistulas and AV grafts for hemodialysis in older adults with major comorbidities. Motivated by shifts in epidemiologic landscapes and evolving guidelines moving away from a fistula-first approach and to more patient-centric approaches, the objective of this randomized controlled trial was to fill critical knowledge gaps in determining the optimal vascular access for this complex patient population. We outline the challenges encountered in patient recruitment along with measures employed to overcome these obstacles in recruitment.

CircWaveDL: Modeling of optical coherence tomography images based on a new supervised tensor-based dictionary learning for classification of macular abnormalities.

Modeling Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images is crucial for numerous image processing applications and aids ophthalmologists in the early detection of macular abnormalities. Sparse representation-based models, particularly dictionary learning (DL), play a pivotal role in image modeling. Traditional DL methods often transform higher-order tensors into vectors and then aggregate them into a matrix, which overlooks the inherent multi-dimensional structure of the data.

Smartphone based non invasive real time white blood cell counter leveraging blue light and static magnetic field.

White blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes, are one of the most significant parts of the immune system. They generate antibodies, protect the body from illnesses, and heal wounds. Accurate estimation of WBCs is key for diagnosing cancer, infections, leukemia, lymphoma, and other diseases.

Preparation, antioxidant, antibacterial, and in vivo evaluation of pomegranate flower extract nanofibers based on thiolated chitosan and thiolated gelatin for treating aphthous stomatitis.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common condition that manifests as ulcerative lesions in the oral mucosa. In this study, bilayer, mucoadhesive nanofibers loaded with pomegranate flower extract (PFE) were prepared using thiolated gelatin (TGel) and thiolated chitosan (TCS) as the active layer and drug-free polycaprolactone (PCL) as the backing layer. Gelatin (Gel) and chitosan (CS) were successfully thiolated (proven by Ellman's assay, solubility, H NMR, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD) and electrospun into active nanofibrous layers with a diameter of 356.

A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan.

Background: With a shortage of mental health specialists and a significant rural population in Pakistan, leveraging community-based healthcare workers becomes crucial to address mental health needs. Equipping the healthcare workers with digital tools such as mobile applications have the potential to increase access to mental health support in low-resource areas. This study examines the acceptability, appropriateness, barriers, and facilitators to implementing a technology-assisted mental health intervention (mPareshan) delivered by Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in rural Pakistan.

Development and construction of a portable wind tunnel for investigating wind erosion through the application of photogrammetry techniques.

Climate change is one of the most crucial issues in human society such that if it is not given sufficient attention, it can become a great threat to both humans and the Earth. Due to global warming, soil erosion is increasing in different regions. Therefore, this issue will require further investigation and the use of new tools.

Exploring optimal control strategies in a nonlinear fractional bi-susceptible model for Covid-19 dynamics using Atangana-Baleanu derivative.

In this article, a nonlinear fractional bi-susceptible [Formula: see text] model is developed to mathematically study the deadly Coronavirus disease (Covid-19), employing the Atangana-Baleanu derivative in Caputo sense (ABC). A more profound comprehension of the system's intricate dynamics using fractional-order derivative is explored as the primary focus of constructing this model. The fundamental properties such as positivity and boundedness, of an epidemic model have been proven, ensuring that the model accurately reflects the realistic behavior of disease spread within a population.

Effect of ultrasound on the physical, biochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of industrial Iranian honey.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound at two different frequencies, namely 30 kHz and 42 kHz, on various aspects of industrial Iranian honey, including its physical, biochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Samples were subjected to ultrasound treatment at 30 kHz or 42 kHz for a duration of 1, 5 or 10 minutes at temperatures of 20 °C or 45 °C, respectively. The following parameters were then evaluated on days 1, 30, 90, and 180: HMF content, pH, acidity, proline concentration, total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, diastase activity, moisture content, sucrose concentration, fructose concentration, glucose concentration, fructose- glucose ratio, ABTS (antioxidant activity) content, number of osmophiles, phenol concentration, reducing sugar concentration and total sugar concentration.

Neuro-protective and redox potential of troxerutin against cypermethrin-induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice.

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective efficacy of troxerutin against cypermethrin-induced behavioral defects, motor function abnormalities, and oxidative stress in mice. Twenty-four adult female albino mice were randomly divided into four equal groups. The first group served as control, the second group was treated with cypermethrin (20 mg/kg b.

Right ventricular outflow tract stenting in children with tetralogy of Fallot beyond one year of age: indications and immediate outcomes.

Introduction: Right ventricular outflow tract stenting has emerged as a key palliative intervention for infants with tetralogy of Fallot who are not suitable candidates for complete repair. Although the Blalock-Taussig shunt remains the standard palliative approach for tetralogy of Fallot patients over one year of age, the potential of right ventricular outflow tract stenting in this older age group has not been widely explored. In this study, we present our experience with right ventricular outflow tract stenting in children beyond one year of age.

Whole genome sequencing of three native chicken varieties (Common Deshi, Hilly and Naked Neck) of Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi indigenous chicken varieties - Common Deshi, Hilly and Naked Neck are notable for their egg production, meat quality, extraordinary survivability and disease resistance. However, the potential to harness their unique genetic merits are being eroded by various factors, including crossbreeding. In-depth genomic studies have not been carried out on these breeds so far.

Transforming Households with Refraction and Innovative Financial Technology (THRIFT): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of vision interventions and online banking among the elderly in Kurigram.

Introduction: Presbyopia, difficulty in seeing close-ups, affects a billion people globally. Mobile financial services (MFS) have been mandated since January 2021 for Bangladesh government social safety net payments, including old age allowance (OAA) and widow allowance (WA). We report the protocol for the Transforming Households with Refraction and Innovative Financial Technology randomised trial assessing the impact on the use of online banking of providing presbyopic safety net beneficiaries with reading glasses, and brief smartphone and mobile banking app training.

Circadian rhythms and cancer: implications for timing in therapy.

Circadian rhythms, intrinsic cycles spanning approximately 24 h, regulate numerous physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and metabolism. These rhythms are orchestrated by the circadian clock, primarily located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Disruptions in circadian rhythms, whether due to genetic mutations, environmental factors, or lifestyle choices, can significantly impact health, contributing to disorders such as sleep disturbances, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases.

[Carcinosarcomas of the common bile duct: a case report].

Carcinosarcomas of the bile ducts are very rare tumors. Their diagnosis and management remain difficult. We here report the case of a patient in whom the diagnosis was suspected due to cholestatic jaundice associated with a deterioration in general condition.

MXene Nanoconfinement of SAM-Modified Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Biosensor for Point-of-Care Monitoring of Carcinoembryonic Antigen.

The high rate of cancer worldwide and the heavy costs imposed on governments and humanity have always motivated researchers to develop point-of-care (POC) biosensors for easy diagnosis and monitoring of cancer treatment. Herein, we report on a label-free impedimetric biosensor based on TiCT MXene and imprinted ortho-phenylenediamine (o-PD) for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a biomarker for various cancers surveillance, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Accordingly, MXene was drop-casted on the surface of a disposable silver electrode to increase the sensitivity and create high-energy nanoareas on the surface, which are usable for protein immobilization and detection.

Extensive hypothesis testing for estimation of crash frequency models.

Estimating crash data count models poses a significant challenge which requires extensive knowledge, experience, and meticulous hypothesis testing to capture underlying trends. Simultaneous consideration of multiple modelling aspects is required including, among others, functional forms, likely contributing factors, and unobserved heterogeneity. However, model development, frequently affected by time and knowledge, can easily overlook crucial modelling aspects such as identification of likely contributing factors, necessary transformations, and distributional assumptions.

Ultrasensitive and label-free electrochemical immunosensor using gold nanoparticles deposited on a carbon electrode for the quantification of osteopontin: A serum-based oncomarker.

Early detection of cancer biomarkers is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, prompting the development of an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor. In this study, we fabricated an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor using a glassy carbon electrode/gold nanoparticles (GCE/AuNPs) modification for quantification of osteopontin (OPN), an oncomarker. The surface features of the modified electrodes were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods.

Decoding the Lipid-Angiogram Link: Can Serum Lipid Profile Help Predict Your Clogged Arteries?

Objective In this study, we aimed to analyze the correlation between lipid profile and angiographic profile in terms of vessel involvement, segment involvement, and angiographic severity in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods One hundred patients diagnosed with ACS for the first time and undergoing coronary catheterization were included. Fasting samples for lipids profile were obtained.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Cancer-Related Fatigue Among Children and Adolescents Undergoing Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The literature on fatigue in children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment is highly variable, creating uncertainties about its prevalence and identifying those at higher risk.

Objectives: The primary purpose was to describe the prevalence of fatigue among patients (< 21 years) undergoing cancer treatment across cancer types. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of severe fatigue and factors associated with fatigue.

Enhancing security in financial transactions: a novel blockchain-based federated learning framework for detecting counterfeit data in fintech.

Fintech is an industry that uses technology to enhance and automate financial services. Fintech firms use software, mobile apps, and digital technologies to provide financial services that are faster, more efficient, and more accessible than those provided by traditional banks and financial institutions. Fintech companies take care of processes such as lending, payment processing, personal finance, and insurance, among other financial services.

Identifying Medical Concepts and Semantic Types in Lay Vocabularies of Health Consumers Who are Concerned with Diabetes on Social Media Using the UMLS and NLP.

This study suggests a way to utilize the existing medical ontology and natural language processing techniques to extract major medical concepts from lay vocabularies of health consumers on social media and group them based on the defined semantic types in the ontology. Diabetes-related discussions on Tumblr was used to test the efficiency of SpaCy and the Markov-Viterbi algorithm to map lay medical terms to the defined medical concepts in the UMLS. The system discussed in this paper can better analyze free texts, take care of word ambiguity and extract the lifestyle indicators from the daily life discussions of diabetic people on Tumblr.

Periodontal and Caries Status in Relation to Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Medical and Dental Students in Taxila, Pakistan.

Background The importance of oral health in general well-being is widely acknowledged. It is expected that students belonging to dental and medical fields maintain a strong awareness of oral health and participate in public oral health awareness and initiatives, particularly in low-income nations such as Pakistan. Objectives The objective of the study was to assess the relation of periodontal status and dental caries status of medical and dental students in Taxila, Pakistan, with their oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior.