Cost-effectiveness of targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) for detection of tuberculosis drug resistance in India, South Africa and Georgia: a modeling analysis.

Background: Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) is promising alternative to phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) for detecting drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB). This study explored the potential cost-effectiveness of tNGS for the diagnosis of DR-TB across 3 settings: India, South Africa and Georgia.

Methods: To inform WHO guideline development group (GDG) on tNGS we developed a stochastic decision analysis model and assessed cost-effectiveness of tNGS for DST among rifampicin resistance individuals.

Integrating Patient-Generated Health Data from Mobile Devices into Electronic Health Records: Best Practice Recommendations by the IFCC Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM).

Background: An increasing number of wearable medical devices are being used for personal monitoring and professional health care purposes. These mobile health devices collect a variety of biometric and health data but do not routinely connect to a patient's electronic health record (EHR) or electronic medical record (EMR) for access by a patient's health care team.

Methods: The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) Committee on Mobile Health and Bioengineering in Laboratory Medicine (C-MHBLM) developed consensus recommendations for consideration when interfacing mobile health devices to an EHR/EMR.

Correlation Analysis of Direct LDL Measurement and Calculated LDL Methods in Lipid Profile Assessment: A Comprehensive Study.

Introduction: Assessing LDL cholesterol is pivotal for cardiovascular risk evaluation. While direct LDL measurement is accurate, calculated LDL methods offer practicality and cost-effectiveness. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between direct LDL measurement and various calculated LDL methods, shedding light on their clinical utility.

MicroRNA Significance in Cancer: An Updated Review on Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Perspectives.

The article provides a thorough and up-to-date analysis of the role that microRNAs (miRNAs) within the realm of cancer therapy, paying specific attention to their diagnostic, prognostic as well as therapeutic capabilities. The miRNAs (small non-coding RNAs) are the current major genes that regulate gene expression. They are a key factor in the genesis of cancer.

Membrana preformativa: Unveiling the unexplored facets of dental development.

Aim: Odontogenesis is a complex and highly regulated biological process that involves a range of molecular mechanisms. Among these, Ki67 and Cyclin D1 are crucial cell cycle regulators that play pivotal roles in controlling cell proliferation during tooth development. This study aims to provide detailed insights into the expression patterns and functional significance of Ki67 and Cyclin D1 in tooth development.

Comprehensive characterization of tobacco-induced changes in enamel surface topography.

Introduction: Enamel translucency, essential for the aesthetic appeal of teeth, is primarily determined by its thickness, quality, and refractive index. Several factors, including age, genetics, diet, oral hygiene practices, fluoride exposure, and acidic challenges, can influence enamel translucency. Tobacco use, in particular, leads to significant alterations in enamel appearance by penetrating its micropores, causing yellowing and browning.

A randomized clinical trial comparing retention of complete dentures and oral health quality of life of patients with conventional and bioelectric impressions.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the retention of complete dentures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with conventional and bioelectric impressions or transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS).

Materials And Methods: A total of thirty (n = 30) completely edentulous patients were randomly distributed into two groups: Group-C (n = 15) (Conventional) and Group-T (n = 15) (bioelectric). In Group C, border molding was performed using the manual manipulation of borders, and the final impression was made using zinc-oxide eugenol.

Myasthenia Gravis as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Renal Cell Carcinoma: More Than a Coincidence?

Background: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease primarily caused by autoantibodies against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the neuromuscular junction. However, extrathymic malignancies need to be considered in the elderly population.

Purpose: Although thymic malignancy is the most common tumour association, several extrathymic malignancies complicated with myasthenia gravis have been reported.

Effects of and Pranayama on Cardio Respiratory Function in Post-COVID Patients: A Randomised Controlled Study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a range of long-term health issues in recovered patients, collectively known as "post-COVID syndrome."

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined pranayama techniques, specifically and , on pulmonary function and heart rate variability in post-COVID patients.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 90 post-COVID patients (aged 19-40).

Actinomycosis masquerading as a nasal polyp - a rare entity and diagnostic challenge.

Actinomycosis is an endogenous bacterial infection caused by . This bacterium reside on the mucosa of oral cavity, tonsils, and genitourinary tract. Any insult such as trauma, surgery, or foreign body disrupts the mucosal barrier and gives entry to the underlying tissue to cause disease.

Association of Interleukin-1α with periodontitis among Indians: a narrative review.

Background: The etiology of periodontitis is multifactorial, involving interactions between bacterial pathogens, host immune response, and environmental factors. Among the host immune factors, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Many studies have aimed to find the association between IL-1α and periodontitis in various populations worldwide.

Etiologic assessment of palatal petechiae - a case report.

Because oral lesions can develop from various etiological factors, it is of utmost importance to obtain a comprehensive history and oral examination. Fellatio is a commonly practiced sexual act, which may result in submucosal hemorrhage of the palate. The lesions are asymptomatic and typically appear on the soft palate.

Investigating the Restricted Dynamical Environment in and Around Aβ Peptide Oligomers in Aqueous Ionic Liquid Solutions.

It is widely believed that the aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides into soluble oligomers is the root cause behind Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we have performed room-temperature molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of aggregated Aβ oligomers of different sizes (pentamer (O(5)), decamer (O(10)), and hexadecamer (O(16))) in binary aqueous solutions containing 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF]) ionic liquid (IL). Investigations have been carried out to obtain a microscopic understanding of the effects of the IL on the dynamic environment around the exterior surfaces and within the confined nanocores of the oligomers.

ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks and their hybrid materials: emerging photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications.

In the face of escalating environmental challenges such as fossil fuel dependence and water pollution, innovative solutions are essential for sustainable development. In this regard, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), specifically ZIF-8, act as promising photocatalysts for environmental remediation and renewable energy applications. ZIF-8, a subclass of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is renowned for its large specific surface area, high porosity, rapid electron transfer ability, abundant functionalities, ease of designing, controllable properties, and remarkable chemical and thermal stability.

Inducing piezoelectric behavior in a copper iodide cubane cluster-based metal-organic framework linker engineering.

CuI cubane-type secondary building units are reticulated with a piperazine linker at room temperature to crystallize the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) CuI(Pip) in a non-centrosymmetric 622 space group. For the first time, cubane cluster type MOF's strong piezoelectric nature has been studied by switching spectroscopy piezo force microscopy (SS-PFM) and piezo force microscopy (PFM) mapping of the crystal, with piezoelectric constant () ∼52.33 pm V, highlighting its potential for mechanical energy harvesting processes.

Innovative applications of MXenes in dialysis: enhancing filtration efficiency.

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, exhibit exceptional properties such as high electrical conductivity, large surface area, and chemical versatility, making them ideal candidates for various dialysis applications. One prominent application of MXenes lies in the efficient removal of toxic metals and harmful dyes from wastewater. Their unique structure allows for rapid adsorption and selective separation, significantly improving purification processes.

An epidemiological assessment of health status among a cohort of tuberculosis survivors: prospective research in a western Indian city.

Long-term follow-up of tuberculosis (TB) is important to monitor treatment outcomes, prevent relapse, and improve patient care. The aims of the current study are: i) to assess various epidemiological parameters among TB survivors, like mortality and morbidity, with emphasis on recurrence status during pre-defined long-term follow-up; ii) to assess factors responsible for the recurrence of TB among study participants. A prospective observational study was conducted among cured cases of pulmonary TB registered at the TB unit of Ahmedabad City, India.

Effect of strain on the electronic structure and polaronic conductivity of LiFePO.

Improving the electronic properties of active cathode materials can significantly impact the design of rechargeable batteries. In this study, we investigated the influence of micro-strain on the structural and electronic properties of LiFePO (LFP) by performing combined core-level spectroscopy analysis and electrical conductivity measurements. High-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements, followed by Rietveld refinement analysis, revealed an increase in unit cell parameters due to the enhanced micro-strain in the lattice structure.