Response of various histological types of locally advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant multimodality therapy.

Objectives: To determine the response of various histological types of locally advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant multimodality therapy. METHODS: The non-randomised, quasi-experimental retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised data of patients treated between January 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021. The data retrieved related to histologically proven and locally advanced rectal cancer patients aged 18-70 years receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Radiotherapy dose was 45 gray to pelvis with a boost to gross tumour of 5.4 gray in 3 fractions by using volumetric arc therapy concurrently with capecitabine 625mg/m² daily. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of pelvis with contrast was done at 5-10 weeks before surgery. Histological response to neoadjuvant treatment of various histological types was evaluated using the Rectal Cancer Regression Grade. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 182 patients evaluated, 108(59.34%) were included; 64(59.3%) males and 44(40.7%) females. The overall mean age was 45.4±5.2 years. Regression status was grade 1 in 24(22%) patients, grade 2 in 43(40%) and grade 3 in 41(38%) (p=0.074). There were 12(11.11%) patients with signet ring cell and 10(83.3%) showed pathological tumour regression. There were 17(15.74%) patients with mucinous variant, and 12(70.5%) had tumour regression. There were 79(73.15%) patients with adenocarcinoma, and 59(74.6%) of them showed tumour regression. . CONCLUSIONS: There was less tumour regression in mucinous and signet ring cell variants of adenocarcinoma. Modification and intensification of neoadjuvant therapy may be required in such histologies.

Extended dipeptide composition framework for accurate identification of anticancer peptides.

The identification of anticancer peptides (ACPs) is crucial, especially in the development of peptide-based cancer therapy. The classical models such as Split Amino Acid Composition (SAAC) and Pseudo Amino Acid Composition (PseAAC) lack the incorporation of feature representation. These advancements improve the predictive accuracy and efficiency of ACP identification. Thus, the effort of this research is to propose and develop an advanced framework based on feature extraction. Thus, to achieve this objective herein we propose an Extended Dipeptide Composition (EDPC) framework. The proposed EDPC framework extends the dipeptide composition by considering the local sequence environment information and reforming the CD-HIT framework to remove noise and redundancy. To measure the accuracy, we have performed several experiments. These experiments were employed using four famous machine learning (ML) algorithms named; Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and K Nearest Neighbor (KNN). For comparisons, we have used accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, recall, and F1-Score as evaluation criteria. The reliability of the proposed framework is further evaluated using statistical significance tests. As a result, the proposed EDPC framework exhibited enhanced performance than SAAC and PseAAC, where the SVM model delivered the highest accuracy of 96. 6% and significant enhancements in specificity, sensitivity, precision, and F1-score over multiple datasets. Due to the incorporation of enhanced feature representation and the incorporation of local and global sequence profiles proposed EDPC achieves higher classification performance. The proposed frameworks can deal with noise and also duplicating features. These are accompanied by a wide range of feature representations. Finally, our proposed framework can be used for clinical applications where ACP identification is essential. Future works will include extending to a larger variety of datasets, incorporating tertiary structural information, and using deep learning techniques to improve the proposed EDPC.

Green banana resistant starch: A promising potential as functional ingredient against certain maladies.

This review covers the significance of green banana resistant starch (RS), a substantial polysaccharide. The food industry has taken an interest in green banana flour due to its 30% availability of resistant starch and its approximately 70% starch content on a dry basis, making its use suitable for food formulations where starch serves as the base. A variety of processing techniques, such as heat-moisture, autoclaving, microwaving, high hydrostatic pressure, extrusion, ultrasound, acid hydrolysis, and enzymatic debranching treatments, have made significant advancements in the preparation of resistant starch. These advancements aim to change the structure, techno-functionality, and subsequently the physiological functions of the resistant starch. Green bananas make up the highest RS as compared to other foods and cereals. Many food processing industries and cuisines now have a positive awareness due to the functional characteristics of green bananas, such as their pasting, thermal, gelatinization, foaming, and textural characteristics. It is also found useful for controlling the rates of cancer, obesity, and diabetic disorders. Moreover, the use of GBRS as prebiotics and probiotics might be significantly proved good for gut health. This study aimed at the awareness of the composition, extraction and application of the green banana resistant starch in the future food products.

Quality and antioxidant potential of goat's milk paneer prepared from different citrus juices and its whey.

The experiments reported in this research paper aimed to evaluate the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics, microbial quality and antioxidant potential of goat's milk paneer during storage (0-12 d, 4 ± 1°C). The juices from five different citrus fruits were used as coagulant (treatments) to make goat's milk paneer. The pH of all paneer samples decreased during storage whereas titratable acidity increased. Ash (%) fat (%) and protein (%) of paneer increased slightly during storage, whereas sensory perception decreased. The juices from all the citrus fruit varieties showed high contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids which ultimately influenced ferric reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging activities. As the contents of different juices were also retained in the paneer matrix, so paneer coagulated with citrus juices also showed encouraging results in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power and radical scavenging activities. Amongst all the paneers, the most promising was that coagulated by kinnow juice. In addition, the whey obtained from paneer coagulated by citrus juices also showed appreciable quantities of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, thereby beneficially influencing ferric reducing antioxidant power andradical scavenging activities. It is concluded that citrus juices improve the sensorial quality and antioxidant potential of goat's milk paneer and its whey.

Co-exposure to tire wear particles and nickel inhibits mung bean yield by reducing nutrient uptake.

Soil and terrestrial contamination with microplastics and nanoplastics has been discussed extensively, while tire wear particles (TWPs) have been largely overlooked. We investigated the root-surface interactions and growth response of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) plants exposed to tire wear particles (TWPs) (0.05, 0.1, and 0.25% w/w) and nickel sulfate (50 and 100 mg kg-1 NiSO4) alone and in co-exposure scenarios for the full life cycle (105 days) under soil conditions. The results show that TWPs adhered to the root surface and reduced the water and nutrient uptake by the plant, particularly at higher concentrations of TWPs (0.25% w/w), without any observed organic contaminant accumulation in the root tissue. TWPs alone at 0.01, 0.1, and 0.25% (w/w) decreased mung bean yield by 11, 28, and 52%, respectively. Co-exposure to TWPs at 0.01, 0.1 and 0.25% w/w with 100 mg kg-1 NiSO4 decreased yield by 73, 79 and 88%, respectively. However, co-exposure to TWPs at 0.01 and 0.1% w/w with 50 mg kg-1 NiSO4 enhanced the yield by 32% and 7%, respectively. These changes in yield and nutritional aspects appear to be linked to Ni's regulatory influence on mineral homeostasis. Moreover, exposure to NiSO4 at 100 mg kg-1 increased Ni uptake in the root, shoot, and grain by 9, 26, and 20-fold, respectively as compared to the unamended control; this corresponded to increased antioxidant enzyme activity (10-127%) as compared to the control. TWPs caused blockages, significantly reducing plant yield and altering nutrient dynamics, highlighting emerging risks to plant health.

Body mass index and altered lipid profile as major risk markers for breast cancer progression: a cross-sectional study of postmenopausal women in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan, the death rate for post-menopausal women with breast cancer is significant due to late detection and delayed referral to proper facilities. There are a few reports on Pakistan's epidemiology and breast cancer risk factors. There are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with the development of breast carcinoma; of which body mass index (BMI), central obesity, and lipid profile are considered as major risk markers. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. A total of 384 women constituted the present study sample. Purposive sampling was used to collect 192 confirmed new breast cancer cases throughout the study. By using basic random sampling, an equal number of controls were chosen. Studied parameters included age, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride, serum high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. The inclusion criteria of this study were post-menopausal women (45-65 years) in Pakistan. The confirmation of breast carcinoma was done through histopathology. Breast cancer occurrence was taken as a dependent variable, whereas BMI, central obesity, and lipid profile were taken as independent variables. RESULTS: Studied risk factors (cholesterol, BMI, and central obesity) significantly correlated with breast cancer. Cholesterol has a significantly high positive correlation (0.646) with breast cancer. BMI has a positive significant correlation (0.491) with breast cancer, and central obesity has a low but positive significant correlation (0.266) with breast cancer. Moreover, the binary logistic regression model also showed a significant association between biochemical factors and breast cancer occurrence. Regression analysis depicted a linear relationship between a dependent variable (breast cancer occurrence) and independent variables (central obesity, cholesterol, BMI). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal overweight (central obesity), increased BMI and high cholesterol levels are major risk factors for breast cancer. Moreover, high total cholesterol proved to be the most significant risk marker for the occurrence of breast cancer in post-menopausal women of Pakistan.

Hibiscetin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-evoked memory impairment by inhibiting BDNF/caspase-3/NF-κB pathway in rodents.

This study explores the neuroprotective potential of hibiscetin concerning memory deficits induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in rats. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hibiscetin against LPS-injected memory deficits in rats. The behavioral paradigms were conducted to access LPS-induced memory deficits. Various biochemical parameters such as acetyl-cholinesterase activity, choline-acetyltransferase, antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, catalase), oxidative stress (malonaldehyde), and nitric oxide levels were examined. Furthermore, neuroinflammatory parameters such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and nuclear factor-kappa B expression and brain-derived neurotrophic factor as well as apoptosis marker i.e., caspase-3 were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the hibiscetin-treated group exhibited significant recovery in LPS-induced memory deficits in rats by using behavioral paradigms, biochemical parameters, antioxidant levels, oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory markers, and apoptosis markers. Recent research suggested that hibiscetin may serve as a promising neuroprotective agent in experimental animals and could offer an alternative in LPS-injected memory deficits in rodent models.

Fatty Acid Composition, Phenolic Compounds, Phytosterols, and Lipid Oxidation of Single- and Double-Fractionated Olein of Safflower Oil Produced by Low-Temperature Crystallization.

By dry crystallization, concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds can be increased in olein and super-olein fractions in vegetable oils. Among all sources of vegetable oils, safflower oil (SO) possesses the maximum linoleic acid content. To boost the industrial applications of SO, two variants were produced by single- and two-stage crystallization. This study aimed to determine the fatty acid compositions, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and oxidative stability of fractionated olein (OF) and double-fractionated olein (DFO) produced by dry crystallization. For this, SO was cooled to -45 °C and filtered, the filtrate was denoted as single-fractionated olein (OF), and 40% of this section was taken for analytical purposes, while the remaining 60% was again cooled to -70 °C and filtered, and the filtrate was denoted as double-fractionated olein (DFO). Unfractionated safflower (SO) was used as a control, filled in amber glass bottles, and stored at 20-25 °C for 90 days. Fatty acid compositions and phytosterols were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Phenolic compounds and induction periods were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Rancimat. GC-MS analysis revealed that the C18:2 contents of SO, OF, and DFO were 77.63 ± 0.82, 81.57 ± 0.44, and 89.26 ± 0.48 mg/100 g (p < 0.05), respectively. The C18:1 contents of SO, OF, and DFO were 6.38 ± 0.19, 7.36 ± 0.24, and 9.74 ± 0.32 mg/100 g (p < 0.05), respectively. HPLC analysis showed that phenolic compounds were concentrated in the low-melting-point fractions. In DFO, concentrations of tyrosol, rutin, vanillin, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid were 57.36 ± 0.12, 129.45 ± 0.38, 165.11 ± 0.55, 183.61 ± 0.15, 65.94 ± 0.11, and 221.75 ± 0.29 mg/100 g, respectively. In SO, concentrations of tyrosol, rutin, vanillin, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid were 24.79 ± 0.08, 78.93 ± 0.25, 115.67 ± 0.41, 34.89 ± 0.51, and 137.26 ± 0.08 mg/100 g, respectively. In OF, concentrations of tyrosol, rutin, vanillin, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid were 35.96 ± 0.20, 98.69 ± 0.64, 149.14 ± 0.13, 57.53 ± 0.74, and 188.28 ± 0.82 mg/100 g, respectively. The highest concentrations of brassicasterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol, avenasterol, stigmastenol, and avenasterol were noted in DFO followed by OF and SO. The total antioxidant capacities of SO, OF, and DFO were 54.78 ± 0.12, 71.36 ± 0.58, and 86.44 ± 0.28%, respectively. After the end of the storage time, the peroxide values (POVs) of SO, OF, and DFO stored for 3 months were 0.68, 0.85, and 1.16 mequiv O2/kg, respectively, with no difference in the free fatty acid content.

Biochemical, Toxicological, and in Silico Aspects of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D.Don (Trilliaceae): A Rich Source of Natural Bioactive Compounds.

Trillium govanianum is a high-value medicinal herb, having multifunctional traditional and culinary uses. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical, biological and toxicological parameters of the T. govanianum Wall. ex D. Don (Family: Trilliaceae) roots collected from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Phytochemical profiling was achieved by determining total bioactive contents (total phenolic and flavonoid contents) and UHPLC-MS analysis. For biological evaluation, antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelation assays) and enzyme inhibition activities (against AChE, BChE, glucosidase, amylase, and tyrosinase) were performed. Moreover, cytotoxicity was assessed against three human carcinoma cell lines (MDA-MB-231, CaSki, and DU-145). The tested extract was found to contain higher total phenolics (7.56 mg GAE/g dry extract) as compared to flavonoid contents (0.45 mg RE/g dry extract). Likewise, for the antioxidant activity, higher CUPRAC activity was noted with 39.84 mg TE/g dry extract values. In the case of enzyme assays, higher activity was pointed out against the cholinesterase, glucosidase and tyrosinase enzymes. The plant extract displayed significant cytotoxicity against the cell lines examined. Moreover, the in-silico studies highlighted the interaction between the important phytochemicals and tested enzymes. To conclude, the assessed biological activity and the existence of bioactive phytochemicals in the studied plant extract may pave the way for the development of novel pharmaceuticals.

Impact of chemical reaction on Eyring-Powell fluid flow over a thin needle with nonlinear thermal radiation.

The thin needle is viewed as a revolutionary object since it has a thinner thickness than a boundary layer. As a consequence, scientific and engineering applications for instance electrical equipment, hot wire anemometers and geothermal power generation are significantly impacted by the flow deformed by a thin moving needle. MHD Eyring-Powell fluid flow over a thin needle perceiving heat source, chemical reaction and nonlinear thermal radiation is the subject of the current investigation. In addition, the present study utilizes the Buongiorno model to examine the special effects of the fluid's Brownian and thermophoretic forces. The solution of the dimensionless form of ODEs is produced by applying exact renovations to the given problem, which is determined by the structure of PDEs. The bvp4c algorithm, based on the finite difference approach is utilized to numerically solve such modified ODEs. For validation, the results obtained indicate good agreement when compared to the literature. Finally, a detailed graphical analysis of key parameters is shown and explained while keeping in mind the physical significance of flow parameters. The results show that as magnetic and fluid parameter values improve, the velocity gradient falls. Increasing heat source and radiation parameters optimises heat transfer rate. The augmentation of the Lewis number and chemical reaction accelerates the rate of mass transfer on the surface. Brownian motion and thermophoresis provide enhanced thermal performance for the fluid temperature. Growing the thermophoresis parameter from 0.1 to 0.3 upsurges the Nusselt number by 5.47% and the Sherwood number by 12.26%.

An Unusual Case of Phagocytic Histiocytes on Peripheral Blood Smear of a Patient With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Endocarditis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder of the immune system that may rapidly progress into life-threatening complications. There is uncontrolled activation of histiocytes and phagocytic macrophages, resulting in excess secretions of cytokines that manifest into systemic hyperinflammation affecting several organs. HLH may present as primary due to underlying familial or genetic causes or as secondary due to underlying conditions such as malignancies, infections, or autoimmune disorders. This case is of a seven-year-old girl who developed culture-proven MRSA infective endocarditis. She received sensitivity-tailored antimicrobial treatment. Initially unremarkable, but later her peripheral blood smear showed the presence of large histiocyte-like cells showing hemophagocytic activity of moderate grade (two to five histiocytes with hemophagocytosis/slide) on the feathered edge of the slide. Peripheral film findings triggered further workup for HLH. Her condition later deteriorated, requiring high-dependency unit care. This case highlights the significance of maintaining a high index of suspicion with subsequent laboratory work in cases that develop cardinal diagnostic criteria for clinical manifestations of HLH. It also emphasizes reviewing the feathered edges of blood smears to prevent overlooking important morphological findings.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the Conversion of Linoleic Acid of Vegetable Oil to Conjugated Linoleic Acid, Lipolysis, and Sensory Properties of Cheddar Cheese.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is perceived to protect the body from metabolic diseases. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp. plantarum) on CLA production and sensory characteristics of cheddar cheese. Lp. plantarum can convert linoleic acid (LA) to CLA. To increase CLA in cheddar cheese and monitor the conversion of LA to CLA by Lp. plantarum, the LA content of cheese milk (3.4% fat) was increased by partially replacing fat with safflower oil (85% LA of oil) at 0, 3, 6, and 9% concentrations (T1, T2, T3, and T4). Furthermore, Lp. plantarum 108 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL (8 log CFU mL-1) was added in all treatments along with traditional cheddar cheese culture (Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and L. lactis ssp. cremoris). After 30 days of ripening, Lp. plantarum in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 6.75, 6.72, 6.65, and 6.55 log CFU g-1. After 60 days of ripening, Lp. plantarum in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 6.35, 6.27, 6.19, and 6.32 log CFU g-1. After 60 days of ripening, Lp. plantarum in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was 6.41, 6.25, 6.69, and 6.65 log CFU g-1. GC-MS analysis showed that concentrations of CLA in the 90 days' control, T1, T2, T3, and T4 were 1.18, 2.73, 4.44, 6.24, and 9.57 mg/100 g, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed that treatments containing Lp. plantarum and LA presented higher concentrations of organic acids than the control sample. The addition of safflower oil at all concentrations did not affect cheese composition, free fatty acids (FFA), and the peroxide value (POV) of cheddar cheese. Color flavor and texture scores of experimental cheeses were not different from the control cheese. It was concluded that Lp. plantarum and safflower oil can be used to increase CLA production in cheddar cheese.

Stabilization of the Antioxidant Properties in Spray-Dried Microcapsules of Fish and Chia Oil Blends.

Even with healthy foods, there is still a need to protect the functionality during processing. The stabilization and enrichment of fish oil (FO) extracted from fish fillets using solvent extraction might make this healthy oil more available. FO was stabilized by mixing it with chia seed oil (CSO) at 50:50 at room temperature. The antioxidant properties of the blends were evaluated using the total phenolic content (TPC), free radical scavenging activity (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) activities with FO and CSO as controls. The blends of FO and CSO increased the oxidative stability, while FO was the most susceptible to degradation. The stability and bioactivity of antioxidants against environmental factors were improved by using encapsulation. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize spray-drying operating conditions for spray-dried microcapsules (SDMs). The independent variables were the inlet air temperature (IAT), which varied from 125 to 185 °C; wall material (WM) concentration, which varied from 5 to 25%; pump speed (PS), which varied from 3 to 7 mL/min; and needle speed (NS), which varied from 3 to 11 s. The results indicated that the maximum antioxidant activity of SDM was obtained at 140 °C IAT, 10% WM, 4 mL/min PS, and 5 s NS, while the minimum value was obtained at 170 °C IAT, 20% WM, 6 mL/min PS, and 9 s NS. The IAT had a significant effect on the antioxidant activities, and the stability of SDMs was increased. These SDMs can be used in the formulation of food matrices due to their therapeutic and nutritional properties.

The mutational analysis of mitochondrial DNA in maternal inheritance of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a globally prevalent condition that leads to infertility in women. While environmental factors contribute to PCOS, maternal genetics also play a significant role. Currently, there is no definitive test for identifying predisposition to PCOS. Hence, our objective is to discover novel maternal genetic risk factors for PCOS by investigating the genomes of patients from Pakistan. Methods: We utilized Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to sequence the complete mitochondrial DNA of three PCOS patients. Subsequently, we employed MitoTIP (Mitochondrial tRNA Informatics Predictor) and PON-mt-tRNA tools to identify variations in the mitochondrial DNA. Our analysis focused on the genes MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB, which displayed common variations in all three genomes. Additionally, we observed individual variations. The D-loop region exhibited the highest frequency of mutations, followed by the non-coding regions of RNR1 and RNR2 genes. Moreover, we detected frameshift mutations in the mitochondrially encoded NADH Dehydrogenase 2 (MT-ND2) and mitochondrially encoded NADH Dehydrogenase 5 (ND5) genes within individual genomes. Results: Our analysis unveiled six regions with common variations in the mitochondrial DNA of all three PCOS patients. Notably, the MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB genes exhibited these variations. Additionally, we identified individual variations in the mitochondrial DNA. The D-loop region displayed the highest mutation frequency, followed by the non-coding regions of RNR1 and RNR2 genes. Furthermore, frameshift mutations were detected in the MT-ND2 and ND5 genes within individual genomes. Conclusion: Through our study, we have identified variations in mitochondrial DNA that may be associated with the development of PCOS and have the potential to serve as predisposition tests. Our findings highlight the presence of novel mutations in the MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB genes, as well as frameshift mutations in the MT-ND2 and ND5 genes. Pathogenicity analysis indicated that most variants were likely to result in benign cysts. However, the frameshift mutations in the ND2 gene were associated with a high risk of complications and pathogenicity in PCOS. This is the first report identifying these mutations and their association with PCOS, contributing to our understanding of the genetic factors underlying the condition.

Brain Tumor Segmentation from MRI Images Using Handcrafted Convolutional Neural Network.

Brain tumor segmentation from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans is critical for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of therapeutic outcomes. Thus, this research introduces a novel hybrid approach that combines handcrafted features with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to enhance the performance of brain tumor segmentation. In this study, handcrafted features were extracted from MRI scans that included intensity-based, texture-based, and shape-based features. In parallel, a unique CNN architecture was developed and trained to detect the features from the data automatically. The proposed hybrid method was combined with the handcrafted features and the features identified by CNN in different pathways to a new CNN. In this study, the Brain Tumor Segmentation (BraTS) challenge dataset was used to measure the performance using a variety of assessment measures, for instance, segmentation accuracy, dice score, sensitivity, and specificity. The achieved results showed that our proposed approach outperformed the traditional handcrafted feature-based and individual CNN-based methods used for brain tumor segmentation. In addition, the incorporation of handcrafted features enhanced the performance of CNN, yielding a more robust and generalizable solution. This research has significant potential for real-world clinical applications where precise and efficient brain tumor segmentation is essential. Future research directions include investigating alternative feature fusion techniques and incorporating additional imaging modalities to further improve the proposed method's performance.

Novel Biomarkers and the Multiple-Marker Approach in Early Detection, Prognosis, and Risk Stratification of Cardiac Diseases: A Narrative Review.

Cardiac diseases are a primary cause of mortality worldwide, underscoring the importance of early identification and risk stratification to enhance patient outcomes. Biomarkers have become important tools for the risk assessment of cardiovascular disease and monitoring disease progression. This narrative review focuses on the multiple-marker approach, which involves simultaneously evaluating several biomarkers for the early detection and risk stratification of heart diseases. The review covers the clinical applications of novel biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity troponin, galectin-3, source of tumorigenicity 2, B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, growth differentiation factor 15, myeloperoxidase, fatty acid-binding protein, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, microRNAs, circulating endothelial cells, and ischemia-modified albumin. These biomarkers have demonstrated potential in identifying people who are at high risk for developing heart disease and in providing prognostic data. Given the complexity of cardiac illnesses, the multiple-marker approach to risk assessment is extremely beneficial. Implementing the multiple-marker strategy can improve risk stratification, diagnostic accuracy, and patient care in heart disease patients.

Trends and Challenges in the Development of 3D-Printed Heart Valves and Other Cardiac Implants: A Review of Current Advances.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the current trends and challenges in the development of 3D-printed heart valves and other cardiac implants. By providing personalized solutions and pushing the limits of regenerative medicine, 3D printing technology has revolutionized the field of cardiac healthcare. The use of several organic and synthetic polymers in 3D printing heart valves is explored in this article, with emphasis on both their benefits and drawbacks. In cardiac tissue engineering, stem cells are essential, and their potential to lessen immunological rejection and thrombogenic consequences is highlighted. In the clinical applications section, the article emphasizes the importance of 3D printing in preoperative planning. Surgery results are enhanced when surgeons can visualize and assess the size and placement of implants using patient-specific anatomical models. Customized implants that are designed to match the anatomy of a particular patient reduce the likelihood of complications and enhance postoperative results. The development of physiologically active cardiac implants, made possible by 3D bioprinting, shows promise by eliminating the need for artificial valves. In conclusion, this paper highlights cutting-edge research and the promise of 3D-printed cardiac implants to improve patient outcomes and revolutionize cardiac treatment.

Physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant potential, and shelf stability of developed roselle-fig fruit bar.

Fruit bars are prepared by combining different ingredients which are wholesome and nutrient rich. The current study was designed to develop roselle-fig (different proportions) fruit bars and further investigate their physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant potential. Moreover, the prepared fruit bars were scrutinized for microbial and sensory characteristics to assess the appropriateness of ingredients during storage (up to 90 days). It was observed that there was gradual increase in moisture content with the passage of time, while ash, fat, fiber, and protein contents did not change significantly during storage. The pH and total soluble solid contents of these fruit bars during storage were 3.54-4.07 and 1.71-1.86 Brix, respectively. According to the mean values for sensory evaluation, T 2 was preferred over other treatments. The bars received an acceptable sensory evaluation, demonstrating that they were suitable for 90 days of storage. Phytochemical quantities significantly increased in subsequent treatments, but decreased during storage in all the treatments. Similar trend was observed regarding total antioxidant and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The mineral contents increased significantly among the treatments. The microbial analysis of fruit bars exposed that the fruit were microbiologically safe. Hence, on the basis of the results obtained in this study, it may be concluded that the developed roselle-fig fruit bar would be acceptable and nutritious regarding physicochemical characteristics, microbiological quality, and antioxidant potential.

Non-resolving hepatic and lung abscess in a child: a case report from Pakistan.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare, primary immunodeficiency disorder that occurs due to a defective NADPH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate) oxidase system. Due to the varying clinical presentation and symptom overlap with other conditions, CGD can often pose as a challenge for paediatricians. This case report describes the approach to diagnosis and management of an infant affected by CGD, with liver abscess.

Synthesis, characterization, and applications of iron oxide nanoparticles.

Objective: The green synthesis method for nanoparticles is getting more attention globally, due to its lesser cost, non-hazardous, and eco-friendly nature. The novelty of the present work is to investigate the anti-bacterial and degradation activity of the green synthesized Iron Oxide NPs. Methods: In this study, the Iron Oxide NPs were synthesized through a green synthesis route from leaves of Ficus Palmata. UV-Vis confirmed Iron Oxide NP's peaks between (230-290 nm), while Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that several groups were involved in reduction and stabilization. Results: Results indicated that the highest photo thermal activity was shown in light and it was almost 4 folds greater than the control. Similarly, Iron Oxide NPs showed excellent antimicrobial potential against bacterial species "Salmonella typhi" "Xanthomonas Oryzae" and "Lactobacillus" at low concentrations (150 µg/mL). Hemolytic assay results showed that the toxicity was lesser than 5% at both dark and light conditions. Moreover, we also evaluated the photo-catalytic potential of Iron Oxide NPs against methylene orange. Results indicated that almost complete degradation was noted after 90 min in the presence of continuous light. All tests were performed in triplicates. All the data was subjected to P-test (P < 0.5) using Excel and graph pad (V.5.0). Conclusion: Iron Oxide NPs holds a promising future and could be used in treating diseases, and microbial pathogenesis and also could be used as a vector in drug delivery. Moreover, they can also eradicate persistent dyes and could be used as an alternative to remediate pollutants from the environment.