Statistical Design-Guided Synthesis of Nanoarchitectonics of High-Performance NiFeMoN Electrocatalyst through Facile One-Step Magnetron Sputtering.

This study presents an innovative, statistically-guided magnetron sputtering technique for creating nanoarchitectonics of high-performing, NiFeMoN electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting. Using a central composite face-centered (CCF) design, 13 experimental conditions are identified that enable precise optimization of synthesis parameters through response surface methodology (RSM), confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical analysis highlighted a interaction between Mo% and N% in the nanostructured NiFeMoN and found optimizing values at 31.35% Mo and 47.12% N. The NiFeMoN catalyst demonstrated superior performance with a low overpotential of 216 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and remarkable stability over seven days, attributed to the modifications in electronic structure and the creation of new active sites through Mo and N additions. Furthermore, the NiFeMoN coating, when used as a protective layer for a Si photoanode in 1 m KOH, achieved an applied-bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) of 5.2%, maintaining stability for 76 h. These advancements underscore the profound potential of employing statistical design for optimizing synthesis parameters of intricate catalyst materials via magnetron sputtering, paving the way for accelerated advancements in water splitting technologies and also in other energy conversion systems, such as nitrogen reduction and CO2 conversion.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery and Target Identification in Cancer.

Drug discovery and development (DDD) is a highly complex process that necessitates precise monitoring and extensive data analysis at each stage. Furthermore, the DDD process is both time-consuming and costly. To tackle these concerns, artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be used, which facilitates rapid and precise analysis of extensive datasets within a limited timeframe. The pathophysiology of cancer disease is complicated and requires extensive research for novel drug discovery and development. The first stage in the process of drug discovery and development involves identifying targets. Cell structure and molecular functioning are complex due to the vast number of molecules that function constantly, performing various roles. Furthermore, scientists are continually discovering novel cellular mechanisms and molecules, expanding the range of potential targets. Accurately identifying the correct target is a crucial step in the preparation of a treatment strategy. Various forms of AI, such as machine learning, neural-based learning, deep learning, and network-based learning, are currently being utilised in applications, online services, and databases. These technologies facilitate the identification and validation of targets, ultimately contributing to the success of projects. This review focuses on the different types and subcategories of AI databases utilised in the field of drug discovery and target identification for cancer.

Prediction of complications of pre-eclampsia using the fullPIERS high risk predictive model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predicted probability percentage of complications in women with pre-eclampsia using the Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of Risk (fullPIERS) model within the first 24 h after admission and assess the model's predictive value for complications of pre-eclampsia. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study in which the fullPIERS model was applied to 256 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia within the first 24 h after admission. These women were then followed for 48 h to 7 days for maternal and fetal complications. Reciever operating characteristics (ROC) curves were generated to assess the performance of the fullPIERS model for adverse outcomes of pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: Of the 256 women enrolled in the study, 101 women (39.5%) developed maternal complications, 120 women (46.9%) developed fetal complications, and 159 women (62.1%) developed both. With an area under the ROC curve of 0.843 (95% confidence interval 0.789-0.897), the fullPIERS model had good discriminating ability to predict complications at any time point between 48 h and 7 days after admission. The sensitivity and specificity of the model at a ≥5.9% cut-off value for predicting adverse maternal outcomes were 60% and 97%, respectively; they were 44% and 96%, respectively, for predicting combined fetomaternal complications with a cut-off value of 4.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The fullPIERS model performs reasonably well in predicting adverse maternal and fetal outcomes in women with pre-eclampsia.

Assessment of nutritional properties and phenolic characterization of freshly harvested Dendrocalamus hamiltoni shoots and processed bamboo candy.

The free and bound phenolic constituents in Dendrocalamus hamiltonii shoots were evaluated and compared to processed bamboo candy. Preliminary proximate analysis revealed a percent reduction in moisture and protein with a less significant change in fibre content. The fresh free phenolic extract (FFPE) exhibited a total phenolics of 131.22 mg GAE/g and recovered 48.29 mg GAE/g phenolic content in bound fraction (FBPE). Results demonstrated higher loss of free phenolics after processing compared to bound fraction (CBPE). Although similar results were observed in total flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was reduced after candy processing, with fresh shoots having the lowest percent inhibition (IC50) against DPPH· and ABTS· radicals. Although both free and bound fractions of candy demonstrated effective antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis revealed that FFPE contained more chlorogenic acid (0.14 mg/10 g) and cinnamic acid (0.75 mg/10 g) than CFPE. Quercetin was undetected in all free fractions but was found in bound form.

Inorganic/organic combination: Inorganic particles/polymer composites for tissue engineering applications.

Biomaterials have ushered the field of tissue engineering and regeneration into a new era with the development of advanced composites. Among these, the composites of inorganic materials with organic polymers present unique structural and biochemical properties equivalent to naturally occurring hybrid systems such as bones, and thus are highly desired. The last decade has witnessed a steady increase in research on such systems with the focus being on mimicking the peculiar properties of inorganic/organic combination composites in nature. In this review, we discuss the recent progress on the use of inorganic particle/polymer composites for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. We have elaborated the advantages of inorganic particle/polymer composites over their organic particle-based composite counterparts. As the inorganic particles play a crucial role in defining the features and regenerative capacity of such composites, the review puts a special emphasis on the various types of inorganic particles used in inorganic particle/polymer composites. The inorganic particles that are covered in this review are categorised into two broad types (1) solid (e.g., calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, etc.) and (2) porous particles (e.g., mesoporous silica, porous silicon etc.), which are elaborated in detail with recent examples. The review also covers other new types of inorganic material (e.g., 2D inorganic materials, clays, etc.) based polymer composites for tissue engineering applications. Lastly, we provide our expert analysis and opinion of the field focusing on the limitations of the currently used inorganic/organic combination composites and the immense potential of new generation of composites that are in development.

Patient Care and Treatment Strategies for Skin Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: Role of Traditional and Western Medicines.

The perspective of the people of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) toward both traditional and western healthcare systems varies. The goal of the current study is to examine the SSA's unique skin disease health care system. This study comprises numerous research that sought to examine how the general public feels about the SSA's current healthcare system. In this review, common skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, buruli ulcers, dermatophytosis, and scabies, are addressed. According to this report, government agencies must pay particular attention to skin illnesses in SSA and raise public awareness. Availability of medical care, socioeconomic factors, degree of education, and other factors influence patients' attitudes toward traditional and western health care differently in different geographic areas. Facts suggest that self-medication is the preference of the majority of patients before seeking dermatological care. The present study concludes that the magnitude of skin diseases is neglected or underestimated in many regions of SSA. Also, western healthcare facilities of many regions of SSA are not up to the mark. The present study recommends that proper access to the health care system and awareness about skin diseases through various government programs can be helpful in the regulation of skin disorders among people of SSA.

A Rationally Designed Bimetallic Platinum (II)-Ferrocene Antitumor Agent Induces Non-Apoptotic Cell Death and Exerts in Vivo Efficacy.

Despite phenomenal clinical success, the efficacy of platinum anticancer drugs is often compromised due to inherent and acquired drug resistant phenotypes in cancers. To circumvent this issue, we designed two heterobimetallic platinum (II)-ferrocene hybrids that display multi-pronged anticancer action. In cancer cells, our best compound, 2, platinates DNA, produces reactive oxygen species, and has nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum as potential targets. The multi-modal mechanism of action of these hybrid agents lead to non-apoptotic cell death induction which enables circumventing apoptosis resistance and significant improvement in platinum cross resistance profile. Finally, in addition to describing detail mechanistic insights, we also assessed its stability in plasma and demonstrate anticancer efficacy in an in vivo A2780 xenograft model. Strikingly, compared to oxaliplatin, our compound displays better tolerability, safety profile and efficacy in vivo.

Delay in puberty is dependent on heat shock protein B1 expression in native cross layers of Punjab under heat stress.

Small heat shock protein B1 (HspB1) has been reported to play an essential role in thermotolerance. This study aimed to determine a correlation (if any) between HspB1 expression and age at first egg lay (puberty) in a native cross-layer poultry of Punjab under heat stress. Forty native cross-layer birds were reared in two different seasons, viz. summer (THI was more than 27), classified as the heat-stressed group (n = 20) and winter season (THI was less than 21), classified as the control group (n = 20). Blood was collected from both the groups of birds in their 15th week of age and at puberty. Serum catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, reduced glutathione and corticosterone concentration and lipid peroxidation were measured to assess the oxidative stress in both the groups of birds. The serum antioxidants significantly decreased whilst corticosterone levels and lipid peroxidation significantly elevated in birds in response to summer heat stress. Moreover, in summer season, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes further decreased and lipid peroxidation further increased significantly in birds from their pre-pubertal stage to puberty, which was not observed during the winter season. A clone of chicken HspB1 in BL21 (DE3) cells was revived, and recombinant HspB1 was purified using Ni-NTA agarose column. Serum HspB1 concentration was estimated in different groups of birds by indirect ELISA that has been standardized using the recombinant chicken HspB1. Compared to the control, birds under heat stress had significantly higher serum HspB1 levels. The delay in puberty of all the heat-stressed birds was significantly associated with the increase in their serum HspB1 levels. Taken together, the expression of HspB1 was found to be associated with age at puberty in the native cross poultry layers of Punjab.

Improving Cultural Knowledge to Facilitate Cultural Adaptation of Pain Management in a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community.

Purpose: Health care disparities exist for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Addressing the cultural competence of health care providers could limit these disparities. The aim of this study was to improve cultural knowledge of and humility regarding pain in a CALD community. Method: This interpretive description qualitative study used focus group discussions (FGDs) to generate ideas about how South Asian culture could influence how health care providers manage pain. A total of 14 people with pain and of South Asian background (6 women and 8 men, aged 28-70 y) participated. Two investigators independently analyzed the data. This process involved repeatedly reading the transcripts, then manually sorting the key messages into categories. The investigators compared their categorizations and resolved differences through discussion. Next, similar categories and concepts were grouped into ideas (potential themes). These ideas, along with supporting categories and verbatim quotes, were presented to the full research team for feedback. After compiling the feedback, the ideas formed the thematic representation of the data. Results: The data from the FGDs revealed how pain management could be culturally adapted. The FGDs generated four themes about South Asian cultural perspectives that could influence the pain management experience for people living with pain: (1) cultural and linguistic impediments to communication, (2) understanding of pain in terms of the extent to which it interferes with function and work, (3) nurturing or personal attention as a marker of good care, and (4) value attributed to traditional ideas of illness and treatment. Conclusion: This study demonstrates how engaging with CALD people living with pain can lead to improved cultural knowledge and humility that can form the basis for adapting pain management. Through this process, it is more likely that a meaningful and client-centred pain management plan can be developed.

Objectif : les membres de communautés linguistiques et culturelles diversifiées (CLCD) font face à des disparités en matière de soins. Si les dispensateurs de soins acquéraient des compétences culturelles, il serait possible d'atténuer ces disparités. La présente étude visait à améliorer les connaissances et l'humilité culturelle au sujet de la douleur dans les CLCD. Méthodologie : étude qualitative descriptive et interprétative faisant appel à des entrevues de groupe pour générer des idées sur la manière dont la culture sud-asiatique peut influencer les modes de gestion de la douleur par les dispensateurs de soins. Au total, 14 personnes d'origine sud-asiatique qui souffrent de douleur y ont participé (six femmes et huit hommes de 28 à 70 ans). Deux chercheurs ont analysé les données de manière indépendante. Ce processus incluait la lecture répétée des comptes rendus, puis la catégorisation manuelle des principaux messages. Les chercheurs ont comparé les catégories et résolu leurs différends par des discussions. Ils ont ensuite regroupé les catégories et les concepts semblables en idées (thèmes potentiels). Les idées, de même que les catégories et les citations textuelles qui les appuyaient, ont ensuite été présentées à l'ensemble de l'équipe de recherche pour qu'elle y réagisse. Une fois les réactions compilées, les idées ont formé la représentation thématique des données. Résultats : les données tirées des entrevues de groupe ont révélé des manières d'adapter la gestion de la douleur à la culture. Les entrevues ont produit quatre thèmes sur les points de vue de la culture sud-asiatique qui pourraient influer sur l'expérience de gestion de la douleur des personnes qui vivent avec la douleur : 1) les obstacles culturels et linguistiques à la communication, 2) la compréhension de l'importance de l'entrave que représente la douleur pour le fonctionnement et le travail, 3) l'accompagnement ou l'attention personnelle comme marqueur de bons soins et 4) la valeur attribuée aux idées traditionnelles de la maladie et du traitement. Conclusion : la présente étude démontre que le fait d'engager un dialogue avec des personnes de CLCD qui vivent avec la douleur peut améliorer les connaissances et l'humilité culturelles sur lesquelles reposeront les mesures d'adaptation. Grâce à ce processus, il est plus probable d'établir un plan concret de gestion de la douleur, axé sur le client.

Heat shock protein B1 expression is associated with age at sexual maturity in Rhode Island Red and Punjab Red layers under heat stress.

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) aid in protein folding and also to combat stress in all cellular organisms. HspB1 is a member of the small HSP family that has a significant role in thermo-tolerance. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship (if any) between age at sexual maturity of layer poultry (Rhode Island Red and Punjab Red) and HspB1 expression both at mRNA and protein levels under heat stress. The mRNA expression of hspB1 was checked by real-time PCR. Delay in sexual maturity of the birds was found to be directly associated with the hspB1 mRNA expression in both the bird varieties under heat stress. No significant regression (association) of hspB1 mRNA expression with age at sexual maturity was observed in case of control, non-heat stressed birds. The serum levels of HspB1 were measured by indirect ELISA, using recombinant HspB1 that was expressed using pET-32b(+) vector in BL21(DE3) cells. Serum HspB1 concentration increased significantly (p ≤ 0.001) in heat-stressed birds as compared with control ones. A significant association was found between the increase in serum HspB1 concentration and delay in sexual maturity of all the birds under heat stress while no such association was found in control birds. In conclusion, HspB1 mRNA and protein expression were found to be associated with age at sexual maturity in Punjab Red and RIR layers under heat stress.

Cadmium induced oxidative stress and changes in soluble and ionically bound cell wall peroxidase activities in roots of seedling and 3-4 leaf stage plants of Brassica juncea (L.) czern.

Metabolic adaptations to heavy metal toxicity in plants are thought to be related with developmental growth stage and the type of metal by which plant is affected. In the present study, changes in ionically bound CWP, soluble peroxidase activity, H(2)O(2) level and Malonaldehyde content in roots of cadmium and copper stressed seedlings and cadmium stressed 3-4 leaf stage plants of Brassica juncea were investigated. Cadmium inhibits root growth and reduces fresh biomass. The reduction in root growth and fresh biomass is correlated with increased lipid peroxidation and reduced tolerance. Treatment with cadmium resulted in an increase in ionically bound CWP activity in roots of seedlings but no significant change in its activity was found in roots of 3-4 leaf stage plants. Increased level of H(2)O(2) in roots of cadmium and copper treated seedlings, show a direct correlation with increased activity of ionically bound CWP. H(2)O(2) level in 3-4 leaf stage plant roots was found to be very low. Soluble peroxidase activity decreased in cadmium (50 and 100 mu-icroM) treated seedlings but it was ineffective to cause any change in its activity in 3-4 leaf stage plants. Copper treated seedlings showed an increase in ionically bound CWP activity, H(2)O(2) level and MDA content. Ascorbic acid (50 mM) pretreated seedlings shows significant decrease in ionically bound CWP activity when exposed to 50 muM cadmium. Hence, it is concluded that inhibition of root growth in Brassica juncea seedlings by cadmium, is associated with CWP catalyzed H(2)O(2) dependent reactions which are involved in metabolic adaptations to heavy-metal stress.