Novel theorems for the cotangent bundle endowed with metallic structures on a differentiable manifold.

The present paper aims to study the complete, horizontal and diagonal lifts of metallic structures in the cotangent bundle. Furthermore, the Nijenhuis tensor of a metallic structure is calculated and its integrability conditions by means of partial differential equations are established.

Alkali Silicates Codoped with NIR-Emitting RE (Nd3+ and Yb3+) Ions for Thermometry Applications.

In the present study, the synthesis of BaSrSiO4 co-doped Yb3+ and Nd3+ nanophosphors (NPs) was successfully achieved through the conventional sol-gel method, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis, verifying the formation of pure NPs. The FTIR and Raman spectra analysis confirm the formation of silicates, as different modes and vibrations of Si-O and Si-O-Si were seen at 800-1000 cm-1. The energy transfer (ET) mechanism between Nd3+ and Yb3+ ions was seen as the emission spectra showed a rise in intensity of one over another. PLE emission spectra showed transitions at 2F7/2-2F5/2 for Yb3+ and from 4F3/2 to (4I9/2, 4I11/2, and 4I13/2) for Nd3+ when excited at 785 nm. All the samples record low activation energy, which shows that the rate of reaction will be higher in all the samples, and it will be highest for 1 mol% Nd3+ and 1 mol% Yb3+. An increasing value of τ was seen with increasing Yb3+ concentration, which confirms the increase in the population of trap centers. The positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) curve showed that 1 mol% Yb3+ and 2 mol Nd3+ have single vacancies or shallower positron traps, whereas 3 mol% Yb3+ and 2 mol% Nd3+ have larger defects like surface oxygen vacancy clusters. The other two samples have balance vacancies, which makes them best for thermometry applications. The fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) was calculated to get sensitivity for thermometry application. 2.13% K-1 sensitivity achieved at 303-333 K temperature.

Role of NQO1 gene involvement and susceptibility of T2DM among Saudi Arabia population.

NQO1 disruption enhances susceptibility to oxidative stress during hyperglycemia. As a significant contributor to the development and progression of diabetes.Oxidative stress has been linked to a number of symptoms, including hyperglycemia, reactive oxygen species buildup, high blood pressure, and the expression of inflammatory markers. Therefore, present research work aimed to evaluate the genetic abnormality of NQO1 gene polymorphism, expression and vitamin-D level assessment among the T2DM patients. Present research study included 100 newly diagnosed T2DM cases and 100 healthy individuals as healthy control. Total RNA was extracted from the whole blood using the Trizol method and further cDNA was synthesized and expression was evaluated. Significant difference in NQO1 genotypes distribution among the T2DM patients and healthy controls (p=0.04). Compared to NQO1 CC wild type genotype, NQO1 CT heterozygous genotype had odds ratio of 1.96 (1.08-3.55), and NQO1 TT mutant type genotype had odds ratio of 3.31 (0.61-17.77). Significantly decreased expression of NQO1 mRNA was observed with heterozygous CT (p<0.0001) and homozygous mutant TT genotype (p=0.0004), compared to homozygous wild type CC genotype. NQO1 mRNA expression level was also compared with respect to vitamin-D level among the T2DM patients. T2DM patients with vitamin-D deficiency had 1.83 fold NQO1 mRNA expression while vitamin-D insufficient and sufficient T2DM cases had 3.31 fold (p<0.0001) and 3.70 fold (p<0.0001) NQO1 mRNA expression. Results concluded that NQO1 (C609T) CT and TT genotypes played significant role in worseness of type II diabetes mellitus and decreased expression of NQO1 mRNA expression could be important factor for disease worseness as well as hypermethylation could be factor for decreased expression leading to disease severity. As the decreased NQO1 mRNA expression with heterozygous CT and mutant TT genotype as well as associated with vitamin-D deficiency may contribute to disease progression.

Bedaquiline: An Insight Into its Clinical Use in Multidrug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Every year, the World Health Organization reports 500,000 new cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), which poses a serious global danger. The increased number of XDR-TB and MDR-TB cases reported worldwide necessitates the use of new therapeutic approaches. The main issues with the antitubercular medications now in use for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis are their poor side effect profile, reduced efficacy, and antimicrobial resistance. One possible remedy for these problems is bedaquiline. The need for better treatment strategies is highlighted by the strong minimum inhibitory concentrations that bedaquiline (BDQ), a novel anti-TB medicine, exhibits against both drug-resistant and drug-susceptible TB. Bedaquiline may be able to help with these problems. Bedaquiline is a medication that is first in its class and has a distinct and particular mode of action. Bedaquiline is an ATP synthase inhibitor that is specifically directed against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and some nontuberculous mycobacteria. It is metabolized by CYP3A4. Bedaquiline preclinical investigations revealed intralesional drug biodistribution. The precise intralesional and multi-compartment pharmacokinetics of bedaquiline were obtained using PET bioimaging and high-resolution autoradiography investigations. Reduced CFU counts were observed in another investigation after a 12-week course of therapy. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews of phase II trials on bedaquiline's efficacy in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis in patients reported higher rates of cure, better culture conversion, and lower death rates when taken in conjunction with a background regimen. Here is a thorough medication profile for bedaquiline to aid medical professionals in treating individuals with tuberculosis.

Ca-doped ZnO nanoparticles for MB dye degradation and adsorptive removal of tinidazole.

Industrial dye degradation involves several processes by which dyes are broken down, ideally into innocuous products. Methylene blue (MB) is one of the most commonly employed dyes in the textile industry and is released into water in routine industry processes. These discharges lead to creating a nocuous nature for humans and animals. Drugs are also discharged into water bodies from various pharmaceutical industries. In these two contexts, in the present work, the green synthesis of calcium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ca-doped ZnO NPs) is achieved using the aqueous peel extract of Citrus limetta by the solution combustion technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized Ca-doped ZnO NPs are investigated using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The prepared NPs were subjected to photocatalytic degradation of MB dye under visible-light illumination, which shows ~ 95% dye degradation. The synthesized Ca-doped ZnO NPs were also employed to adsorb tinidazole (TDZ), a nitroimidazole antibiotic, from water samples. An excellent adsorptive capacity of the NPs was observed for selectively adsorbing the TDZ ~ 96.2%. The drug TDZ was found to have pseudo-second-order kinetics. The catalyst recycling proved its repeatability; removal of the dye reached up to 92% after three successive usages. Therefore, using waste Citrus limetta peel extract, the multifunctional Ca-doped ZnO NPs were synthesized, which maintained effective adsorption potential and photocatalytic abilities and could be used as an effective material for environmental remediation.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of Ni-doped europium hydroxide for photocatalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol.

Microwave-assisted synthesis method was used to prepare europium hydroxide (Eu(OH)3) and different percentages of 1, 5, and 10 % nickel-doped Eu(OH)3 (Ni-Eu(OH)3) nanorods (NRs). X-ray diffraction study showed a hexagonal phase with an average crystallite size in the range of 21 - 35 nm for Eu(OH)3 and Ni-Eu(OH)3 NRs. FT-IR and Raman studies also confirmed the synthesis of Eu(OH)3 and Ni-Eu(OH)3. The synthesized materials showed rod-like morphology with an average length and diameter between 27 - 50 nm and 8 - 13 nm, respectively. The band gap energies of Ni-Eu(OH)3 NRs were reduced (4.06 - 3.50 eV), which indicates that the doping of Ni2+ ions has influenced the band gap energy of Eu(OH)3. The PL study exhibited PL quenching with Ni doping. The photocatalytic degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by the synthesized materials under UV light irradiation was investigated, in which 10 % Ni-Eu(OH)3 NRs showed the best response. A kinetic study was also conducted which shows pseudo-first-order kinetics. Based on this, Ni-Eu(OH)3 NRs have shown a potential to be a UV-light active material for photocatalysis.

Untargeted metabolic profiling of high-dose methotrexate toxicity shows alteration in betaine metabolism.

Cardiotoxicity is a well-established adverse effect of several drugs across multiple therapeutic indications. It is particularly prevalent following anticancer therapy. In order to evaluate the changes in cellular metabolism associated with methotrexate cardiotoxicity, we treated Wistar rats with a single high dose of methotrexate (HDMTX), and after five days, the animals were sacrificed. We then analyzed the cardiotoxicity parameters in serum like Cardiac enzymes(CK-MB, Troponin T, ALP), Inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6), oxidative stress markers (NO, NOX-2), histopathology and cardiac tissue with the goal of identifying a metabolic signature of cardiotoxicity using discovery-based metabolomics. The biochemical parameters for cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers showed a significant increase in all three categories in rats treated with HDMTX. These findings were mirrored in the histopathological analysis confirming cardiotoxicity due to HDMTX. The results showed a total of 95 metabolites that were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) modulated: either up- or downregulated in the HDMTX-treated group when compared with the control group. Using integrated pathway analysis we found these metabolites were associated with many important cardiac tissue metabolic pathways, such as the malate aspartate shuttle, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, betaine metabolism, spermidine biosynthesis, and homocysteine degradation. Among them, L-arginine, homocysteine, and betaine were significantly upregulated, suggesting their possible association with cardiac tissue injury. Overall, we provided evidence for using untargeted metabolomics to identify novel metabolites associated with HDMTX cardiac toxicity.

A novel strategy to elicit enduring anti-morphine immunity and relief from addiction by targeting Acr1 protein nano vaccine through TLR-2 to dendritic cells.

Morphine addiction poses a significant challenge to global healthcare. Current opioid substitution therapies, such as buprenorphine, naloxone and methadone are effective but often lead to dependence. Thus, exploring alternative treatments for opioid addiction is crucial. We have developed a novel vaccine that presents morphine and Pam3Cys (a TLR-2 agonist) on the surface of Acr1 nanoparticles. This vaccine has self-adjuvant properties and targets TLR-2 receptors on antigen-presenting cells, particularly dendritic cells. Our vaccination strategy promotes the proliferation and differentiation of morphine-specific B-cells and Acr1-reactive CD4 T-cells. Additionally, the vaccine elicited the production of high-affinity anti-morphine antibodies, effectively eliminating morphine from the bloodstream and brain in mice. It also reduced the expression of addiction-associated µ-opioid receptor and dopamine genes. The significant increase in memory CD4 T-cells and B-cells indicates the vaccine's ability to induce long-lasting immunity against morphine. This vaccine holds promise as a prophylactic measure against morphine addiction.

Mobile Colistin-Resistant Genes mcr-1, mcr-2, and mcr-3 Identified in Diarrheal Pathogens among Infants, Children, and Adults in Bangladesh: Implications for the Future.

Colistin is a last-resort antimicrobial for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Phenotypic colistin resistance is highly associated with plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes. mcr-bearing Enterobacteriaceae have been detected in many countries, with the emergence of colistin-resistant pathogens a global concern. This study assessed the distribution of mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr-5 genes with phenotypic colistin resistance in isolates from diarrheal infants and children in Bangladesh. Bacteria were identified using the API-20E biochemical panel and 16s rDNA gene sequencing. Polymerase chain reactions detected mcr gene variants in the isolates. Their susceptibilities to colistin were determined by agar dilution and E-test by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) measurements. Over 31.6% (71/225) of isolates showed colistin resistance according to agar dilution assessment (MIC > 2 µg/mL). Overall, 15.5% of isolates carried mcr genes (7, mcr-1; 17, mcr-2; 13, and mcr-3, with co-occurrence occurring in two isolates). Clinical breakout MIC values (≥4 µg/mL) were associated with 91.3% of mcr-positive isolates. The mcr-positive pathogens included twenty Escherichia spp., five Shigella flexneri, five Citrobacter spp., two Klebsiella pneumoniae, and three Pseudomonas parafulva. The mcr-genes appeared to be significantly associated with phenotypic colistin resistance phenomena (p = 0.000), with 100% colistin-resistant isolates showing MDR phenomena. The age and sex of patients showed no significant association with detected mcr variants. Overall, mcr-associated colistin-resistant bacteria have emerged in Bangladesh, which warrants further research to determine their spread and instigate activities to reduce resistance.

Distinct inflammatory markers in primary and secondary dengue infection: can cytokines CXCL5, CXCL9, and CCL17 act as surrogate markers?

Dengue fever poses a significant global health threat, with symptoms including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Each year, India experiences fatal dengue outbreaks with severe manifestations. The primary cause of severe inflammatory responses in dengue is a cytokine storm. Individuals with a secondary dengue infection of a different serotype face an increased risk of complications due to antibody-dependent enhancement. Therefore, it is crucial to identify potential risk factors and biomarkers for effective disease management. In the current study, we assessed the prevalence of dengue infection in and around Aligarh, India, and explored the role of cytokines, including CXCL5, CXCL9, and CCL17, in primary and secondary dengue infections, correlating them with various clinical indices. Among 1,500 suspected cases, 367 tested positive for dengue using Real-Time PCR and ELISA. In secondary dengue infections, the serum levels of CXCL5, CXCL9, and CCL17 were significantly higher than in primary infections (P < 0.05). Dengue virus (DENV)-2 showed the highest concentrations of CXCL5 and CCL17, whereas DENV-1 showed the highest concentrations of CXCL9. Early detection of these cytokines could serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing severe dengue, and downregulation of these cytokines may prove beneficial for the treatment of severe dengue infections.

Plant betalains-mixed active/intelligent films for meat freshness monitoring: A review of the fabrication parameters.

The plant pigments called betalains are nutritionally safe polar compounds. They are subdivided into betaxanthins (having orange to yellow hues) and betacyanins (purple to red violet hues). Betacyanins change color with a change in pH, particularly in the range 6-8 and 9-11. Perishable foods like fish, chicken, beef, pork, and others tend to release total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) during storage or deterioration, which leads to a change in the pH of pH-sensitive materials in the vicinity. pH-sensitive pigment-incorporated polymeric films with inherent active properties (or active/intelligent films) are increasingly being studied as an alternative to synthetic pH indicators to detect the accumulation of TVB-N by changing its color to indicate the stage of perishable food spoilage. There are many methods of developing such films under different conditions using different bio-based biodegradable polymer(s) and biocompatible plasticizer combinations. Among the reported methods, solution casting method has been the preferred one in most studies covered in this review. This method can be carried out under mild conditions. As such, betacyanins-incorporated polymeric films essentially require mild processing conditions because of their heat sensitivity, which will invariably affect the performance in food freshness monitoring. In this review, film fabrication parameters like temperature and duration of dissolution of polymers, plasticizer concentration, pH of the film-forming solution, film drying, and conditioning/aging, have been critically appraised based on the available literature. The lack of studies on the safety of active/intelligent films has been systematically highlighted in this review to focus future studies on this area.

Genetic and clinical characteristics of patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency from Slovenia and Pakistan: case series and systematic literature review.

Introduction: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Heterozygous patients have a range of symptoms, while homozygous LPL deficiency presents with severe symptoms including acute pancreatitis, xanthomas, and lipemia retinalis. Methods: We described the clinical characteristics of three Slovenian patients (an 8-year-old female, an 18-year-old man, and a 57-year-old female) and one Pakistani patient (a 59-year-old male) with LPL deficiency. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the LPL gene, and Sanger sequencing for variant confirmation. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all cases with three identified variants and described their clinical characteristics. Results: Two Slovenian patients with a heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.984G>T (p.Met328Ile) were diagnosed within the first three years of life and had triglyceride (TG) values of 16 and 20 mmol/L. An asymptomatic Pakistani patient with TG values of 36.8 mmol/L until the age of 44 years, was identified as heterozygous for a pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.724G>A (p.Asp242Asn). His TG levels dropped to 12.7 mmol/L on dietary modifications and by using fibrates. A Slovenian patient who first suffered from pancreatitis at the age of 18 years with a TG value of 34 mmol/L was found to be homozygous for NM_000237.3:c.337T>C (p.Trp113Arg). Conclusions: Patients with LPL deficiency had high TG levels at diagnosis. Homozygous patients had worse outcomes. Good diet and medication compliance can reduce severity.

Does Ta Low Grade Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder with Focal High-Grade Features Carry Worse Prognosis? The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the management and outcomes of patients with Ta predominantly low-grade urothelial carcinoma with focal high-grade features (FHG) (<5%), compared to those with Ta low grade (LG) and Ta high grade (HG). METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) between 2005 and 2023. Patients with Ta disease were identified and categorized into LG, FHG, and HG. Kaplan Meier method was used to depict high-grade recurrence, T-stage progression, and radical cystectomy-free survival. RESULTS: 449 patients with Ta disease were identified (LG 48%, FHG 12%, and HG 40%). Patients with FHG (32%) had a second-look TURBT more frequently compared to LG (7%) and HG (29%) (p<0.01). They received intravesical therapy more frequently compared to LG (36% vs 20%) but lower than HG (55%) (p<0.01). They received radical cystectomy less frequently (7% compared to 20% for HG and 11% for LG, p=0.01). HG recurrence-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was HG (68%, 52%, and 43%), FHG (74%, 53%, and 49%), and LG (87%, 79%, and 73%) (log-rank p<0.01). T progression-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was HG (84%, 77%, and 70%), FHG (92%, 82%, and 82%), and LG (94%, 89%, and 85%) (log-rank p=0.02). Cystectomy-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was HG (92%, 84%, and 80%), FHG (96%, 94%, and 94%), and LG (99%, 95%, and 92%) (log-rank p<0.01) CONCLUSION: Patients with Ta FHG seem to behave more like Ta HG disease in terms of high-grade recurrences, but they are less likely to experience T stage progression and convert to cystectomy.

Synthesis and characterization of X (X = Ni or Fe) modified BaTiO3 for effective degradation of Reactive Red 120 dye under UV-A light and its biological activity.

For the sustainable advancement of industrial expansion that is environmentally conscious, harmful dyes must be removed from wastewater. Untreated effluents containing colors have the potential to harm the ecosystem and pose major health risks to people, animals, and aquatic life. Here, we have fabricated Ni or Fe modified with BaTiO3 materials and effectively utilized them for Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) dye degradation under UV-A light. The synthesized materials were characterized, and their structural, and photo-physical properties were reported. Phase segregation was not present in the XRD pattern, as evidenced by the absence of secondary phase peaks linked to iron, nickel, or oxides. Low metal ion concentrations may be the cause of this, and the presence of those elements was confirmed by XPS measurements. The Raman spectra of the BaTiO3/Ni and BaTiO3/Fe samples show a widened peak at 500 cm-1, which suggests that Ni or Fe are efficiently loaded onto the BaTiO3. RR 120 dye photodegradation under UV light conditions was effectively catalyzed by BaTiO3/Fe, as evidenced by its superior performance in the UV irradiation technique over both BaTiO3 and BaTiO3/Ni. Compared to bare BaTiO3, both metal-modified materials efficiently degraded the RR 120 dye. Acidic pH facilitated the degradation process, which makes sense given that the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction was the mechanism of degradation along with BaTiO3 sensitization. High-acidity sewage can be dangerous and carcinogenic, and conventional biological treatment methods are not appropriate for managing it. In the current investigation, it may be used to treat color effluents with extremely low pH levels. Additionally, the ability of the produced nanocomposites to inhibit the growth of twenty pathogens was examined, along with two fungi, fifteen Gram-negative Bacilli (GNB), one Gram-positive Bacilli (GPB), and two Gram-positive Cocci (GBC).

An affordable label-free ultrasensitive immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles deposited on glassy carbon electrode for the transferrin receptor detection.

In recent decades, there has been a concerning and consistent rise in the incidence of cancer, posing a significant threat to human health and overall quality of life. The transferrin receptor (TfR) is one of the most crucial protein biomarkers observed to be overexpressed in various cancers. This study reports on the development of a novel voltammetric immunosensor for TfR detection. The electrochemical platform was made up of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), on which anti-TfR was immobilized. The surface characteristics and electrochemical behaviors of the modified electrodes were comprehensively investigated through scanning electron microscopy, XPS, Raman spectroscopy FT-IR, electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The developed immunosensor exhibited robust analytical performance with TfR fortified buffer solution, showing a linear range (LR) response from 0.01 to 3000 µg/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.01 µg/mL and reproducibility (RSD <4 %). The fabricated sensor demonstrated high reproducibility and selectivity when subjected to testing with various types of interfering proteins. The immunosensor designed for TfR detection demonstrated several advantageous features, such as being cost-effective and requiring a small volume of test sample making it highly suitable for point-of-care applications.

The impact of ischemic stroke on bone marrow microenvironment and extracellular vesicles: A study on inflammatory and molecular changes.

An ischemic stroke (IS) is caused due to the lack of blood flow to cerebral tissue. Most of the studies have focused on how stroke affects the localized tissue, but it has been observed that a stroke can cause secondary complications in distant organs, such as Bone Marrow (BM). Our study focused on the effect of ischemic strokes on the bone marrow microenvironment. Bone marrow (BM) is a vital organ that maintains inflammatory homeostasis and aids in the repair of damaged tissue after injury/IS. We used the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke on adult mice (6 months) and investigated the changes in the BM environment. BM cells were used for western blot and RT-PCR, and the BM supernatant was used for cytokine analysis and extracellular vesicle (EVs) isolation. We observed a significant increase in the total cell number within the BM and an increase in TNF-alpha and MCP-1, which are known for inducing a pro-inflammatory environment. Western blots analysis on the whole BM cell lysate demonstrated elevated levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-alpha, and TLR-4) and senescence markers (p21 p16). EVs isolated from the BM supernatant showed no change in size or concentration; however, we found that the EVs carried increased miRNA-141-3p and miRNA-34a. Proteomic analysis on BM-derived EVs showed an alteration in the protein cargo of IS. We observed an increase in FgB, C3, Fn1, and Tra2b levels. The signaling pathway analysis showed mitochondrial function is most affected within the bone marrow. Our study demonstrated that IS induces changes in the BM environment and EVs secreted in the BM.

Facial nerve electrical motor evoked potential in cerebellopontine angle tumors for its anatomical and functional preservation.

Background: Among the technical measures to preserve facial nerve (FN) function, intraoperative neuromonitoring has become mandatory and is constantly being scrutinized. Hence, to determine the efficacy of FN motor evoked potentials (FNMEPs) in predicting long-term motor FN function following cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor surgery, an analysis of cases was done. Methods: In 37 patients who underwent CPA surgery, FNMEPs through corkscrew electrodes positioned at C5-C6 and C6-C5 (C is the central line of the brain as per 10-20 EEG electrode placement) were used to deliver short train stimuli and recorded from the orbicularis oculi, oris, and mentalis muscles. Results: In 58 patients, triggered electromyography (EMG) was able to identify the FN during resection of tumor, but 8 out of these (4.64%) patients developed new facial weakness, whereas 3 out of 38 (1.11%) patients who had intact FN function MEP (decrement of FN target muscles - CMAPs amplitude peak to peak >50-60%), developed new facial weakness (House and Brackmann grade II to III). Conclusion: The FNMEP has significant superiority over triggered EMG when tumor is giant and envelops the FN.

Effect of κ-carrageenan on the quality of crayfish surimi gels.

The demand for crayfish surimi products has grown recently due to its high protein content. This study examined the effects of varying κ-carrageenan (CAR) and crayfish surimi (CSM) concentrations on the gelling properties of CAR-CSM composite gel and its intrinsic formation process. Our findings demonstrated that with the increasing concentration of carrageenan, the quality of CAR-CSM exhibited rising trend followed by subsequently fall. Based on the textural qualities, the highest quality CAR-CSM was achieved at 0.3% carrageenan addition. With the exception of chewiness, and the cooking loss of the gel system was 1.62%, whiteness was 82.35%, and the percentage of ß-sheets increased to 57.18%. Further increase in CAR (0.4-0.5%) addition resulted in internal build-up of LCAR-CSM, conversion of intermolecular forces into disulfide bonds and gel breakage. This study exudes timely recommendations for extending the CAR application for the continuous development of crayfish surimi and its derivatives and its overall economic worth.

Effects of Smokeless Tobacco on Oral Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption poses a significant global public health challenge because of its adverse effects on oral health. Although the detrimental impact of SLT on oral tissues is well-documented, understanding its multifaceted effects is essential for effective prevention and intervention strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of SLT on oral health, focusing on various clinical parameters and their differences between placement and non-placement sites of SLT. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 528 habitual users of SLT was conducted. Clinical parameters included the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), gingival recession (GR), and probing depth (PD). Oral mucosal changes at SLT placement sites have also been reported. Statistical analysis was performed to compare parameters between the placement and non-placement sites. RESULTS:  The study involved 528 subjects, mostly male (82%) and aged 21-40 years (mean±SD=31.14±9.10), habitual users of SLT. Prevalent SLT types included tobacco with betel nuts/masala/gutkha (59.9%) and tobacco with lime (54.5%). Significant differences were observed between SLT placement and non-placement sites: higher gingival inflammation (GI) at placement sites (1.54±0.61 vs. 1.45±0.54, p=0.01), lower GBI at placement sites (40.0% vs. 84.3%, p=0.001), and more prevalent GR (65.7% vs. 34.3%, p=0.03) at placement sites. Probing depths ≥ 3 mm were also less frequent at placement sites (2.67±0.72) than non-placement sites (3.37±1.03, p=0.001). These results highlight the detrimental impact of SLT on periodontal health, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions among SLT users. CONCLUSION: SLT use is associated with adverse effects on oral health, including GI, plaque accumulation, gingival bleeding, GR, and changes in the oral mucosa. Targeted interventions and public health policies are needed to address these issues effectively.

Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensors Composed of Polyaniline Nanofibers with High Electrochemical Performance.

The measurement of glucose concentration is a fundamental daily care for diabetes patients, and therefore, its detection with accuracy is of prime importance in the field of health care. In this study, the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor for glucose sensing was successfully designed. The electrode material was fabricated using polyaniline and systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The polyaniline nanofiber-modified electrode showed excellent detection ability for glucose with a linear range of 10 µM to 1 mM and a detection limit of 10.6 µM. The stability of the same electrode was tested for 7 days. The electrode shows high sensitivity for glucose detection in the presence of interferences. The polyaniline-modified electrode does not affect the presence of interferences and has a low detection limit. It is also cost-effective and does not require complex sample preparation steps. This makes it a potential tool for glucose detection in pharmacy and medical diagnostics.