Microbial disintegration of wool: An effective and sustainable approach for keratin extraction.

Keratin is an important biopolymer used to develop biomaterials for biomedical and industrial applications. Traditional keratin extraction methods involve the removal of surface lipids using organic solvents, detergents, and energy-intensive processes that often compromise the purity of the extracted keratin. In the present study, wool fibers were microbially disintegrated to isolate cortical cells, achieving a maximum yield of 61.

Analysing the relevance of TGF-β and its regulators in cervical cancer to identify therapeutic and diagnostic markers.

The role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is dual, such that, it inhibits tumor development in initial stage and promotes metastasis in later stage. The present study is aimed to analyse the relevance of different types of TGF-β and their receptors on the overall survival (OS) and TGF-β driven gene expression in individuals with cervical cancer (CC) using ONCODB and GEPIA databases. The in-silico gene expression analysis showed, TGF-β1 and TGFβR2 are upregulated in cells infected with human papilloma virus (HPV)16, whereas, TGF-β2, TGFβR1 and TGFβR3 expression were downregulated.

A dynamical model of drinking and smoking with optimal control analysis.

The intake of alcohol is dangerous, and the smoking of tobacco is savage, but it is life-threatening to practice both smoking and drinking. According to the World Health Organisation, the world loses about 8.5 million people each year as a result of smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol.

Stem cell transplantation therapy for advanced liver damage-associated neurodegenerative disorders.

Hepatic encephalopathy and other neurodegenerative disorders have profound implications for extensive liver impairment, calling for new ways of treating the condition. The application of stem cell transplantation to treat these severe disorders is a new and encouraging technique. This review article digs deep into the subject of stem cell transplantation therapy, neurodegenerative disorders associated with advanced liver damage, and liver transplantation.

Impact of Sensitizer Yb on Structural and Optical Properties of AESiO (AE = Ba, Ca, Sr) Orthosilicates.

In the present work, BaSrSiO: Yb and CaSrSiO: Yb (Yb = 0 mol %, 1 mol %, 2 mol % and 3 mol %) nanophosphors were synthesized using the co-precipitation method, and their comparative structural and optical properties were studied to demonstrate the effect of Yb ion on the characteristic properties of the prepared nanophosphors. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns of BaSrSiO:Yb and CaSrSiO:Yb suggest the formation of a single-phase orthorhombic structure with space groups Pbnm and Pna21, respectively. The Raman shifts in BaSrSiO (BSS) and CaSrSiO (CSS) indicate out-of-phase bending of Sr-O and symmetric stretching of Si-O.

Tetracarpidium conophorum nuts (African walnuts) up-regulated adiponectin and PPAR-γ expressions with reciprocal suppression of TNF-α gene in obesity.

Tetracarpidium conophorum nuts are nutrient-dense Nigerian snacks associated with weight regulation. This study explores the nuts' impact on adipose tissue gene expression associated with low-grade inflammation. Ethanol whole extract (EWE), ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) and the resulting residue (RES) were orally administered once daily to MSG-induced obese rats for 6 weeks (n = 6).

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation with custom-made 35-mm Myval™ transcatheter heart valve.

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is the standard of care in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) presenting with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. However, the feasibility of TPVI is limited by the high cost and nonavailability of larger-sized valves for dilated native RVOT of rTOF patients. We report the first successful TPVI with a custom-made 35 mm balloon-expandable valve (Myval™) in a 30-year-old rTOF patient with severe pulmonary regurgitation and RV dysfunction.

Anomalous left coronary artery origin from the nonfacing sinus of pulmonary artery - Successful repair of a rare entity.

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital heart disease, presenting either in isolation or with other cardiac anomalies. The most common presentation is congestive heart failure in infancy, though some may remain asymptomatic till adulthood. A 5-month-old infant with congestive heart failure was diagnosed to have ALCAPA with severe Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

Cyclic Meditation and Sleep Quality: A Review.

 Insufficient sleep leads to several short- and long-term physical and mental consequences. Yoga is a popularly known complementary health approach that maintains physical and mental health through asanas, meditation, and breathing techniques. Cyclic meditation (CM), derived from one of the Upanishads, is practiced by combining physical postures (asanas) with relaxation techniques.

Comparison of Various Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Management of Gingival Hyperpigmentation: A Case Report.

Gingival hyperpigmentation is a condition wherein there is excessive deposition of melanin pigment, which is produced by the melanocytes of the gingiva. Gingival depigmentation is a periodontal surgical procedure whereby the pigmentation is removed or reduced by various surgical techniques that are associated with significant postoperative pain, bleeding, and recurrence. Laser ablation has been recognized as one of the minimally invasive, effective, comfortable, and reliable techniques for gingival depigmentation.

Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Sports-Related Meniscal Injuries.

 Meniscal injuries are a common occurrence in sports-related activities, often leading to pain, reduced joint function, and impaired athletic performance. This study aimed to evaluate the role of ultrasound-guided intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-rich fluid injection which was obtained through serial centrifugation in the treatment of meniscal injuries resulting from sports activities.  A prospective study was conducted involving 54 cases with grade I, II, and III meniscal injuries, aged 18 and 43 years.

Absorbable Hemostatic Agents Mimic Gossypiboma or Infected Collection on Imaging.

Absorbable hemostatic agents are commonly used in clinical practice and their imaging appearance is less known. In our case series, we demonstrate how absorbable hemostatic agents can masquerade as other clinically and medicolegally significant conditions such as gossypiboma and infected collections. Through our report, we aimed to describe the imaging features of absorbable hemostatic agents, to compare them with their imaging mimics, and provide a comprehensive review of the available literature.

Evaluation of the Articular Disc Using the Magnetic Resonance Cartigram in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Temporomandibular Disorders.

 The study is aimed to perform magnetic resonance (MR) cartigram of the articular disc in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic temporomandibular disorders (TMD).  Thirty-nine volunteers were divided into three groups: 16 symptomatic TMD, 16 asymptomatic TMD, and 7 controls. The articular disc was divided into three segments (anterior, middle, and posterior) and analyzed using morphological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T2 mapping sequences.

Combined and isolated effects of workstation ergonomics and physiotherapy in improving cervicogenic headache and work ability in office workers: a single-blinded, randomized controlled study.

Objective: The objective of the study is to compare and investigate the combined and individual effects of workstation ergonomics, physiotherapy and patient education in improving CgH headaches and work ability in office workers.

Methods: 96 eligible CgH participants were divided into the ergonomics modifications group (EMG;  = 24), physiotherapy group (PTG;  = 24), and ergonomics modifications combined with physiotherapy group (EPG;  = 24) and education control group (CNG;  = 24), the participants received the respective treatment for 4 weeks. Primary (CgH frequency) and secondary (CgH pain intensity, CgH disability, flexion rotation test (right and left), neck disability index and work ability) scores were measured.

Covered Stent Correction for Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defects, an Emerging Alternative to Surgical Repair: Results of an International Registry.

Background: Covered stent correction for a sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SVASD) was first performed in 2009. This innovative approach was initially viewed as experimental and was reserved for highly selected patients with unusual anatomic variants. In 2016, increasing numbers of procedures began to be performed, and in several centers, it is now offered as a standard of care option alongside surgical repair.

The effect of fabrication procedures and thermomechanical loading on the structural properties of screw-retained metal-ceramic implant restorations: An in vitro study.

Purpose: Metal-ceramic screw-retained implant restorations persist as a fundamental choice in specific clinical scenarios. Little is known about the effects of fabrication steps and aging on their structural properties. This study aimed to investigate how laboratory fabrication procedures and thermomechanical loading affect the structural properties of screw-retained metal-ceramic implant restorations.

Impact of cartoon-animated video, caregiver-supervised training, and pamphlet on plaque control, oral hygiene status, and oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practices in orphaned adolescents: A randomized controlled trial.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of cartoon animated video, caregiver-supervised training, and pamphlet-based oral health education on plaque control, oral hygiene status, and oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among orphaned adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.

Methods: A total of ninety adolescents were randomly selected and allocated into three different groups. Group A received the pamphlet (n = 30), Group B received the cartoon animated video (n = 30), and Group C received the caregiver-supervised training (n = 30).

Effect of statins on arterial wall inflammation as assessed by 18F-FDG PET CT: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is largely mediated by inflammatory process. Statins are lipid-lowering drugs which also have anti-inflammatory effects. 18 fluorine radiolabeled fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is considered to be a good indicator of arterial wall inflammation.

Regulatory effects of statins on CCL2/CCR2 axis in cardiovascular diseases: new insight into pleiotropic effects of statins.

Background: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are well-known medications in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders due to their pleiotropic and lipid-lowering properties. Herein, we reviewed the effects of statins on the CCL2/CCR2 axis.

Method: Scopus and Pubmed databases were systematically searched using the following keywords:" Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductase Inhibitors"," HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors"," Statins", "CCL2, Chemokine", "Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1" and "Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2".

Novel neural network classification of maternal fetal ultrasound planes through optimized feature selection.

Ultrasound (US) imaging is an essential diagnostic technique in prenatal care, enabling enhanced surveillance of fetal growth and development. Fetal ultrasonography standard planes are crucial for evaluating fetal development parameters and detecting abnormalities. Real-time imaging, low cost, non-invasiveness, and accessibility make US imaging indispensable in clinical practice.

Effects of trehalose on bone healing, physical function, and pain in patients with pertrochanteric fractures: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

Background: Appropriate management of fractures is crucial for restoring natural bone function and preventing long-term complications. Previous research on animal models indicates that trehalose can improve bone fracture healing by inhibiting the inflammatory cascade. We hope that trehalose can accelerate bone fracture healing in humans, alleviate pain, and ultimately enhance the individual's quality of life.

Erector spinae plane block for posterior spine fusion in children.

This manuscript, a Letter to the Editor, is in response to the study protocol that intended to analyze the effect of the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) in pediatric patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for the correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A few concerns regarding that protocol are raised here.

Expression of mTOR, CD163, α-SMA, FOXp3 as survival predictors and its significance in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Oral cancer; categorised under head and neck cancers (HNC) predominantly originates from squamous cells and is referred as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Various factors (internal and external) causes OSCC. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways are known to be primarily mutated in HNC.