Association of C4 Null Alleles and Persistently Low C4 in Asian Indian Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

The association between heterozygous C4 deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unclear. There is a lack of data in South Asian Indians on any possible association of C4A and C4B null alleles with lupus. We aimed to study the prevalence of C4A and C4B null alleles in a cohort of SLE patients with persistently low C4 levels compared to healthy controls (HC).

Role of stomatal and leaf anatomical features in defining plant performance under elevated carbon dioxide and ozone, in the changing climate scenario.

This research investigates the interactive effects of elevated ozone (eO) and carbon dioxide (eCO) on stomatal morphology and leaf anatomical characteristics in two wheat cultivars with varying O sensitivities. Elevated O increased stomatal density and conductance, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage, particularly in the O-sensitive cultivar PBW-550 (PW), compared to HUW-55 (HW). Conversely, eCO reduced stomatal density and pore size, mitigating O-induced damage by limiting O influx.

An examination of daily CO emissions prediction through a comparative analysis of machine learning, deep learning, and statistical models.

Human-induced global warming, primarily attributed to the rise in atmospheric CO, poses a substantial risk to the survival of humanity. While most research focuses on predicting annual CO emissions, which are crucial for setting long-term emission mitigation targets, the precise prediction of daily CO emissions is equally vital for setting short-term targets. This study examines the performance of 14 models in predicting daily CO emissions data from 1/1/2022 to 30/9/2023 across the top four polluting regions (China, India, the USA, and the EU27&UK).

Enhanced post-thaw functional characteristics of cryopreserved caprine dermal fibroblasts through adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins.

Background: Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins play a crucial role in regulating the biological properties of adherent cells. For cryopreserved fibroblasts, a favourable ECM environment can help restore their natural morphology and function more rapidly, minimizing post-thaw stress responses.

Methods And Results: This study explored the functional responses of cryopreserved enriched caprine adult dermal fibroblast (cadFibroblast) cells to structural [collagen-IV and rat tail collagen (RTC)] and adhesion ECM proteins (laminin, fibronectin, and vitronectin) under in vitro culture conditions.

Effect of isotonic sodium bicarbonate infusion on perioperative acid-base status among patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis (ISABEL trial): a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Perioperative metabolic acidosis negatively affects patient outcomes. Perioperative fluid therapy has a clinically significant effect on acid-base balance. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of isotonic sodium bicarbonate infusion (ISB) versus balanced crystalloid solution (BCS) on perioperative acid-base balance, in terms of postoperative base excess, among patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for perforation peritonitis.

Assessment of various etiological factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma in non-habit patients- a cross sectional case control study.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most prevalent oral cancers in the world. The major etiological factors are considered to be tobacco and alcohol. However, the etiological factors for non-habit associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (NHOSCC) remains an enigma.

Immediate second resection versus restage transurethral resection of bladder tumor: A prospective randomized clinical trial (IMMERSE trial).

Background: The role of repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for the management of nonmuscle invasive bladder carcinoma is debated, especially when initial resections include detrusor muscle. This study compares immediate second resection (additional deep biopsies in the same session) with standard restage TURBT performed 2-6 weeks post-initial TURBT to determine adequacy in detrusor muscle sampling and compare the disease rate at restage TURBT in both groups.

Material And Methods: A randomized trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, including patients aged ≥18 years undergoing TURBT with complete primary tumor resection.

Cannabis use and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease outcomes: A meta-analysis of multinational cohort data.

Background: While an association between cannabis use and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) has been reported numerous times, it remains inconclusive as to whether this link is causal in nature. We sought to consolidate data from observational studies to explore the association between ever use of cannabis and ASCVD outcomes, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and a combined measure of any adverse cardiovascular events in comparison to non-users or controls.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies from inception until April 2024.

A finite element analysis to assess tibial bone fracture in malleolar regions following total ankle replacement: Influences of implant designs and implant-bone interfacial conditions.

Background: Tibial bone fractures in the malleolar regions are a major concern during the early postoperative period of total ankle replacement (TAR), affecting patient outcomes such as stability and recovery. Design, placement, and anatomic misalignment of implant components can contribute to malleolar fractures. The aim of this study is to understand the influence of implant design features, including keel, peg, stem, and bar type design, and bone-implant interfacial conditions on malleolar fracture following TAR.

Advocacy in Action: International Patient Group Improves Hereditary Angioedema Diagnosis and Care Across the Asia-Pacific.

This study demonstrates that patient advocacy groups significantly enhance medication availability and improve diagnosis of hereditary angioedema (HAE), particularly in emerging economies within the Asia-Pacific region. This study supports integrating patient advocacy group involvement into management guidelines, emphasising their role in improving access to diagnostics and treatment for HAE.

Carbon dot embedded hybrid microgel from synthesis to sensing: Experimental and theoretical approach.

Background: The intellectual progress in fabricating artificial probes for selective appraisal of biologically admissible amino acids has displayed exponential growth in recent era.The neoteric era in material science has witnessed the significant application of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). However, the hybrid microgel of CQDs was less explored.

Dietary supplementation and the role of phytochemicals against the Alzheimer's disease: Focus on polyphenolic compounds.

Alzheimer's disease is a complicated, multifaceted, neurodegenerative illness that places an increasing strain on healthcare systems. Due to increasing malfunction and death of nerve cells, the person suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) slowly and steadily loses their memories, cognitive functions and even their personality. Although medications may temporarily enhance memory, there are currently no permanent therapies that can halt or cure this irreversible neurodegenerative process.

Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from eastern India.

Whole genome sequencing has been used to investigate the genomic diversity of M. tuberculosis in the northern and southern states of India, but information about the eastern part of the country is still limited. Through a sequencing-based strategy, this study seeks to comprehend the diversity and drug resistance pattern in the eastern region.

Ritonavir enhances the efficacy of amprenavir: a promising combination therapy by targeting Leishmania DNA Topoisomerase I for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis HIV-VL co-infection.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an opportunistic infection in HIV patients with higher relapse and mortality rate. The number of HIV-VL patients is comparatively higher in areas where both infections are endemic. However, the conventional chemotherapeutic agents have limited success due to drug toxicity, efficacy variance and overall cost of treatment.

Bacteriophage induces modifications in outer membrane protein expression and antibiotic susceptibility in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Bacteriophages, the most abundant biological agents targeting bacteria, offer a promising alternative to antibiotics for combating multi-drug resistant pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii. However, the rapid development of bacteriophage resistance poses a significant challenge. This study highlights the contribution of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in the emergence of bacteriophage resistance in A.

Randomized comparison of precut papillotomy and endosonography guided rendezvous procedure for difficult biliary access in Malignant distal biliary obstruction.

Background And Aims: Difficult biliary cannulation (DBC) is a marker for prolonged procedure time and increased adverse event rate (AER) during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We previously showed that EUS-guided rendezvous procedure (EUS-RV) had a higher single session success rate than precut papillotomy (PcP) in DBC patients. The present randomized study aims at comparing the technical success and AER between the two approaches.

In silico evaluation of bisphosphonates identifies leading candidates for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibition.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in 777 million confirmed cases and over 7 million deaths worldwide, with insufficient treatment options. Innumerable efforts are being made around the world for faster identification of therapeutic agents to treat the deadly disease. Post Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 (PASC), also called Long COVID, is still being understood and lacks treatment options as well.

Role of Shirodhara and Abhyanga on serum cortisol in Anxiety - A case report.

Chittodvega, classified as a Mano-Vikara (psychological disorder) in Ayurveda, can be correlated with general anxiety disorder. The disturbance of Vata Dosha plays a critical role in its manifestation. Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (oleation) and Shirodhara (dripping of medicated oil or other suitable liquid on forehead) are known to pacify Vata.

Asian Thoracic Oncology Research Group expert consensus statement on the peri-operative management of non-small cell lung cancer.

The peri-operative management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in earlier stage disease has seen significant advances in recent years with the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy. However, many unanswered questions and challenges remain, including the application of clinical trial data to routine clinical practice. Recognising the unique demographic profile of Asian patients with NSCLC and heterogeneous healthcare systems, the Asian Thoracic Oncology Research Group (ATORG) convened a consensus meeting in Singapore on 26 April 2024 to discuss relevant issues spanning diagnostic testing to post-neoadjuvant treatment considerations and future directions.

Artificial intelligence with wrapper multioutput regression to identify chemical contents of fresh and dried manure samples using NIR spectroscopy.

Analyzing manure nutrients such as total ammonium nitrogen (NH), dry matter (DM), calcium oxide (CaO), total nitrogen (-N), phosphorus pentoxide (PO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and potassium oxide (KO) helps in fulfilling crop nutritional needs while improving the profitability and a lower risk of pollutants. This study used two Near Infra Red (NIR) spectral datasets of fresh and dried manure. The freshly prepared NHCl, CaO, Ca(OH), PO, MgO, and KO samples were used for spectral signature peak identification and calibration.

Investigation of microplastic pollution index in the urban surface water: A case study in west Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Microplastics (MPs) are a growing environmental issue because of their widespread prevalence and their long-term effects on ecosystems and human health. Global studies have identified MPs in various aquatic environments, such as lake, rivers, estuaries, wastewater, and oceans. Although most MPs originate from urban surface water sources, the specific intensity, characteristics, and associated risk assessments remain unclear.

Smoking-induced shifts in salivary exosomal cytokines and amino acid profiles as potential early biomarkers for oral cancer.

Background: Chronic smoking is an established risk factor for oral cancer (OC). The role of tobacco in oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) emphasizes the need for non-invasive diagnostic approaches to identify early molecular alterations and improve patient outcomes. Salivary exosomes, which contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, accessible and rich in biological content, making them interesting candidate biomarkers.

Effect of Food Deprivation on Plasma Cortisol, Carbohydrate Metabolism, and Histomorphology in Clarias batrachus.

The nutritional status of fish is essential for its health, experimental studies, and aquaculture practices. The current study investigated the impact of food deprivation on biochemical parameters, histology of skin, gill, and kidney tissues, and ultrastructure of gills in Clarias batrachus. Fish were subjected to food deprivation for 2, 7, and 15 days resulting in (a) significant increase in plasma cortisol levels, (b) no significant changes in plasma osmolality and plasma glucose content, and (c) significant decrease in liver and muscle glycogen contents.

The hidden language of plant-beneficial microbes: chemo-signaling dynamics in plant microenvironments.

Plants and microorganisms coexist within complex ecosystems, significantly influencing agricultural productivity. Depending on the interaction between the plant and microbes, this interaction can either help or harm plant health. Microbes interact with plants by secreting proteins that influence plant cells, producing bioactive compounds like antibiotics or toxins, and releasing molecules such as N-acyl homoserine lactones to coordinate their behaviour.