The effects of lumbar stabilization exercises with and without jaw movements in non-specific low back pain (A randomized controlled trial).

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the added effect of jaw clenching on the efficacy of lumbar stabilization exercises to manage chronic non-specific low back pain. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SIPM&R) Karachi from April 2021 to April 2023. Eighty patients with chronic non-specific low back pain participated in this study. Forty patients each were randomly allocated to the lumbar stability exercise (LSE) group' and the lumbar stability exercise with teeth clenching (LSETC) group. Patients in both groups performed respective exercises twice weekly for 12 weeks. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Pressure Biofeedback Unit (PBU) were used to assess pain, disability, and muscle endurance respectively. Data were collected at the baseline, after six weeks and 12 weeks of intervention. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain, disability, and muscle endurance. Upon further stratification, participants aged 20-30 years in the LSETC group showed significantly higher scores than the LSE group for NPRS, RMDQ, and PBU after 12 weeks. Overall, the LSETC group showed relatively higher improvement in mean scores for NPRS, RMDQ, and PBU than the LSE group. Conclusion: Lumbar stabilization exercises with and without jaw movement are effective for the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain. The addition of teeth clenching enhanced the effectiveness of lumbar stability exercises, especially in young adults. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04801212), Prospectively registered on March 16, 2021.

The role of reduced graphene oxide on mitigation of lead phytotoxicity in Triticum aestivum L.plants at morphological and physiological levels.

Rapid global industrialization and an increase in population have enhanced the risk of heavy metals accumulation in plant bodies to disrupt the morphological, biochemical, and physiological processes of plants. To cope with this situation, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) NPs were used first time to mitigate abiotic stresses caused in plant. In this study, rGO NPs were synthesized and reduced with Tecoma stans plant leave extract through modified Hummer's methods. The well prepared rGO NPs were characterized by ultra-violet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, pot experiment was conducted with four different concentrations (15, 30, 60, 120 mg/L) of rGO NPs and three different concentrations (300, 500,700 mg/L) of lead (Pb) stress were applied. To observe the mitigative effects of rGO NPs, 30 mg/L of rGO NPs and 700 mg/L of Pb were used in combination. Changes in morphological and biochemical characteristics of wheat plants were observed for both Pb stress and rGO NPs treatments. Pb was found to inhibit the morphological and biochemical characteristics of plants. rGO NPs alone as well as in combination with Pb was found to increase the chlorophyll content of wheat plants. Under Pb stress conditions and rGO NPs treatments, antioxidant enzyme activities like ascorbate peroxidases (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) were observed. Current findings revealed that greenly reduced graphene oxide NPs can effectively promote growth in wheat plants under Pb stress by elevating chlorophyll content of leaves, reducing the Pb uptake, and suppressing ROS produced due to Pb toxicity.

Exploring the Potential of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene in ZnSe-TiO2 Composite Materials for Supercapacitor Electrode.

The current study explores the prospective of a nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) incorporated into ZnSe-TiO2 composites via hydrothermal method for supercapacitor electrodes. Structural, morphological, and electronic characterizations are conducted using XRD, SEM, Raman, and UV analyses. The electrochemical study is performed and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) are evaluated for the supercapacitor electrode material. Results demonstrate improved performance in the ZnSe-NG-TiO2 composite, indicating its potential for advanced supercapacitors with enhanced efficiency, stability, and power density. Specific capacity calculations and galvanic charge-discharge experiments confirmed the promising electrochemical activity of ZnSe-NG-TiO2, which has a specific capacity of 222 C/g. The negative link among specific capacity and current density demonstrated the composite's potential for high energy density and high-power density electrochemical devices. Overall, the study shows that composite materials derived from multiple families can synergistically improve electrode characteristics for advanced energy storage applications.

Non-invasive imaging techniques for early diagnosis of bilateral cardiac dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension: current crests, future peaks.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic and progressive disease that eventually leads to heart failure (HF) and subsequent fatality if left untreated. Right ventricular (RV) function has proven prognostic values in patients with a variety of heart diseases including PAH. PAH is predominantly a right heart disease; however, given the nature of the continuous circulatory system and the presence of shared septum and pericardial constraints, the interdependence of the right and left ventricles is a factor that requires consideration. Accurate and timely assessment of ventricular function is very important in the management of patients with PAH for disease outcomes and prognosis. Non-invasive modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and echocardiography (two-dimensional and three-dimensional), and nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET) play a crucial role in the assessment of ventricular function and disease prognosis. Each modality has its own strengths and limitations, hence this review article sheds light on (i) ventricular dysfunction in patients with PAH and RV-LV interdependence in such patients, (ii) the strengths and limitations of all available modalities and parameters for the early assessment of ventricular function, as well as their prognostic value, and (iii) lastly, the challenges faced and the potential future advancement in these modalities for accurate and early diagnosis of ventricular function in PAH.

Design, optimization, and comparative analysis of wide-band polarization conversion along with dual coding sequences for RCS reduction.

In this paper, a wideband polarization conversion metasurface is designed. Additionally, coding and chessboard metasurfaces are specifically tailored for radar cross-section reduction (RCS). Initially, a compact unit cell demonstrating exceptional polarization conversion performance is introduced, achieving a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) exceeding 90 % across frequencies ranging from 7.9 to 22.7 GHz. The PCR remains effective even when oblique incidence angles of up to 30 ∘ are utilized across this frequency band. Roger RT5880, with a thickness of 0.254 mm, serves as the substrate. An airgap is introduced between the substrate and the ground plane to enhance the polarization conversion bandwidth. This unit cell serves as the fundamental building block for subsequent metasurface configurations. To assess the scalability and effectiveness, a 36 × 36 unit array is assembled, confirming efficient polarization conversion capabilities extending to larger structures. Moreover, a 1-bit coding unit "0" and "1" are formed by the Pancharatnam-Berry phase based on the same-sized meta-atom with 90 ∘ orientations. The robustness and practicality of the design are demonstrated by creating 12 × 12 lattices and evaluating their RCS reduction potential under two distinct scenarios: a chessboard pattern and a coding-based scheme. Notably, its results indicate substantial RCS reduction across a broad frequency spectrum (7.9 to 22.7 GHz) for both configurations. This study demonstrates the wide-ranging applicability of metasurface design, making it a valuable contribution to the fields of microwave engineering, polarization control, and radar stealth technology. Owing to its simplicity, bandwidth, and versatility, this approach offers innovative solutions for diverse real-world applications.

Evaluation of irrigation, drinking, and risk indices for water quality parameters of alpine lakes.

Alpine lakes are aquatic ecosystems that maintain and regulate water supply for the downstream streams, rivers, and other reservoirs. This study examined the water characteristics of various alpine lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. For this purpose, water was sampled and investigated for basic parameters, anions, and cations using the multi-parameter analyzers and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Physicochemical parameters of alpine lakes were noted under the World Health Organization water guidelines, except for fluoride (F-) and turbidity in 4.3% and 36% of samples, respectively. Water quality index (WQI) classified samples (93%) as excellent and good quality (7%). Results showed maximum chronic daily intake values (0.14 ± 0.01 mg/kg-day) for nitrate (NO3-) and hazard quotient (0.80 ± 0.24) for F- in children via water intake from Upper Kachura and Shausar Lakes, respectively. Statistical analyses of Piper and Gibbs's plots revealed that the water quality is mainly characterized by bedrock geology.

Insights into measles virus: Serological surveillance and molecular characterization.

BACKGROUND: Measles has been a significant public health concern in Pakistan, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, where sporadic and silent epidemics continue to challenge existing control measures. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and investigate the molecular epidemiology of the measles virus (MeV) in KPK and explore the vaccination status among the suspected individuals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and October 2021. A total of 336 suspected measles cases from the study population were analyzed for IgM antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Throat swabs were randomly collected from a subset of positive cases for molecular analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of MeV isolates was performed using the neighbor-joining method. The vaccination status of individuals was also recorded. RESULTS: Among the suspected participants, 61.0% (205/336) were ELISA positive for IgM antibodies, with a higher prevalence in males (64.17%) compared to females (57.04%). The majority of cases (36.0%) were observed in infants and toddlers, consistent with previous reports. The majority of IgM-positive cases (71.7%) had not received any dose of measles vaccine, highlighting gaps in vaccine coverage and the need for improved immunization programs. Genetic analysis revealed that all MeV isolates belonged to the B3 genotype, with minor genetic variations from previously reported variants in the region. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the genetic epidemiology of the MeV in KPK, Pakistan. The high incidence of measles infection among unvaccinated individuals highlights the urgency of raising awareness about vaccine importance and strengthening routine immunization programs.

A continuous cuffless blood pressure measurement from optimal PPG characteristic features using machine learning algorithms.

Background and objective: Hypertension is a potentially dangerous health condition that can be detected by measuring blood pressure (BP). Blood pressure monitoring and measurement are essential for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. Cuff-based devices, on the other hand, are uncomfortable and prevent continuous BP measurement. Methods: In this study, a new non-invasive and cuff-less method for estimating Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) has been proposed using characteristic features of photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals and nonlinear regression algorithms. PPG signals were collected from 219 participants, which were then subjected to preprocessing and feature extraction steps. Analyzing PPG and its derivative signals, a total of 46 time, frequency, and time-frequency domain features were extracted. In addition, the age and gender of each subject were also included as features. Further, correlation-based feature selection (CFS) and Relief F feature selection (ReliefF) techniques were used to select the relevant features and reduce the possibility of over-fitting the models. Finally, support vector regression (SVR), K-nearest neighbour regression (KNR), decision tree regression (DTR), and random forest regression (RFR) were established to develop the BP estimation model. Regression models were trained and evaluated on all features as well as selected features. The best regression models for SBP, MAP, and DBP estimations were selected separately. Results: The SVR model, along with the ReliefF-based feature selection algorithm, outperforms other algorithms in estimating the SBP, MAP, and DBP with the mean absolute error of 2.49, 1.62 and 1.43 mmHg, respectively. The proposed method meets the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standard for BP estimations. Based on the British Hypertension Society standard, the results also fall within Grade A for SBP, MAP, and DBP. Conclusion: The findings show that the method can be used to estimate blood pressure non-invasively, without using a cuff or calibration, and only by utilizing the PPG signal characteristic features.

Formulation and Preparation of Losartan-Potassium-Loaded Controlled-Release Matrices Using Ethocel Grade 10 to Establish a Correlation between In Vitro and In Vivo Results.

In the current study, matrices of losartan potassium were formulated with two different polymers (Ethocel 10 premium and Ethocel 10FP premium), along with a filler and a lubricant, at different drug-to-polymer w/w ratios (10:3, 10:4, and 10:5). The matrices were tested by the direct compression method, and their hardness, diameter, thickness, friability, weight variation, content uniformity, and in vitro dissolution tests were assessed to determine 24-h drug release rates. The matrices with Ethocel 10 FP at a 10:4 ratio exhibited pseudo-zero-order kinetics (n-value of 0.986), while the dissolution data of the test matrices and reference tablets did not match. The new test-optimized matrices were also tested in rabbits, and their pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated: half-life (11.78 ± 0.018 h), Tmax (2.105 ± 1.131 h), Cmax (205.98 ± 0.321 µg/mL), AUCo (5931.10 ± 1.232 µg·h/mL), AUCo-inf (7348.46 ± 0.234 µg·h/mL), MRTo-48h (17.34 ± 0.184 h), and Cl (0.002 ± 0.134 mL/min). A correlation value of 0.985 between the in vitro and in vivo results observed for the test-optimized matrices was observed, indicating a level-A correlation between the percentage of the drug released in vitro and the percentage of the drug absorbed in vivo. The matrices might improve patient compliance with once-a-day dosing and therapeutic outcomes.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Urdu version of the back pain functional scale in low back pain patients.

BACKGROUND: Translation and validation of important scales in other languages reduce bias in reporting the functional status of the patient. OBJECTIVE: To translate the Back Pain Functional Scale into Urdu (BPFSu), adapt it for use in other cultures, and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHOD: According to Beaton guidelines, translation and cultural adaption was carried out. On 100 Urdu-literate men and women aged 18-60 years with lower back pain, the final BPFSu was assessed for psychometric qualities. First at baseline and again after 7 days, participants completed the BPFSu, the Functional Rating Index (FRI), and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). RESULTS: Internal consistency of the BPFSu was excellent (Cronbach's alpha: 0.937). No floor and ceiling effects were found Excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.882, CI 95%; 0.830-0.919) was achieved. Spearman correlation coefficient showed criterion validity with the NPRS (rho =â⁢⁢0.701, p⩽ 0.001) and Pearson correlation coefficient showed construct validity with the FRI (r=â⁢⁢0.740, p⩽ 0.001). The minimum detectable changes were 9.96, while the standard error of measurement was 3.6. CONCLUSION: The BPFSu is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing physical function in individuals experiencing low back discomfort.

Dual-band 5G MIMO antenna with enhanced coupling reduction using metamaterials.

This article introduces a miniaturized dual-band multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna with wide bandwidth and high isolation. The design incorporates ground plane modifications and utilizes metamaterials to achieve dual-band operation in the millimeter wave spectrum for 5G applications, specifically operating at the 28/38 GHz frequency bands. The proposed antenna maintains its dual-band functionality despite its compact size of 3.8 [Formula: see text] 3.7 [Formula: see text] 0.787 [Formula: see text] (without the feed line). The antenna is fabricated on a Rogers RT5880 substrate with a thickness of 0.787 mm and with relative permittivity [Formula: see text] = 2.2. The MIMO system comprises two symmetric radiating elements positioned in close proximity, resulting in mutual coupling levels of [Formula: see text] 20 dB and [Formula: see text] 12 dB at 25 GHz and 37 GHz, respectively. Modifications are made to the ground length to enhance the isolation at the higher frequency band while embedding metamaterials effectively reduces the coupling at the lower frequency band. The incorporation of metamaterials leads to an enhanced bandwidth from 3.8 to 4.8 GHz in the desired lower band (24-28.8 GHz) and from 3.8 to 4.2 GHz in the higher band (36.6-40.8 GHz). The proposed system can operate across the 28/38 GHz bands using a compact design, thus offering reasonable isolation, an envelope correlation coefficient below 0.0001, and a significant diversity gain (> 9.99 dB). These attributes emphasize the system's suitability for 5G millimeter-wave cellular communications.

Antioxidant, carbonic anhydrase inhibition and diuretic activity of Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne.

Background: Leptadenia pyrotechnica Forssk. Decne is a member of family Apocynaceae and locally known as 'Khipp'. It is found in dry, sandy habitat of Pakistan and in several other regions around the world including Asia, Tropical Africa, Western Gulf and Mediterranean countries. It has nutritional value, containing 4 % lipids, 23 % proteins, 28 % carbohydrates, 4 % fibers, vitamin E and several minerals. Traditionally, this plant has been used by several communities for pain, different inflammatory and kidney disorders. Ethno-botanical studies have reported the use of L. pyrotechnica in nephrolithiasis, kidney disorders and induction of diuresis, which requires a detailed pharmacological study to validate the folkloric use of L. pyrotechnica as diuretic. Methods: The 70 % methanolic L. pyrotechnica (Lp.Cr) extract was prepared and qualitatively checked for the presence of various phytochemicals. Phenolic, flavonoid, tannin and saponin contents were quantified. GC-MS analysis of Lp.Cr was also performed. Antioxidant potential of Lp.Cr was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and nitrite radical scavenging assays. CUPRAC and FRAP assay described the reducing potential of Lp.Cr. Diuretic activity was performed in both acute and prolonged models at different doses followed by the estimation of electrolytes, urea and creatinine levels. The mechanism of diuresis was described by pre-treatment with atropine, l-NAME, indomethacin and carbonic anhydrase inhibition. Results: Lp.Cr. indicated high phenolic and flavonoid contents which correlated with good antioxidant activity. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 104 compounds from different phytochemical classes. Diuretic activity was performed at 10-300 mg/kg concentrations where the dose of 100 and 300 mg/kg showed good diuretic and saluretic activity comparable to furosemide. Lp.Cr exhibited diuresis both in acute and prolonged study protocols which can be attributed to carbonic anhydrase inhibition, effect on prostaglandins and cholinergic pathways. Conclusion: L. pyrotechnica contained several phytochemicals and exhibited good antioxidant activity. It induced diuresis and saluretic activity which was comparable to furosemide at higher doses. Diuretic activity can be attributed to carbonic anhydrase inhibition, prostaglandin synthesis and cholinergic pathways.

Improvement of the Self-Controlled Hyperthermia Applications by Varying Gadolinium Doping in Lanthanum Strontium Manganite Nanoparticles.

In this study, silica-encapsulated gadolinium was doped in lanthanum strontium manganite nanoparticles (NPs) with different concentrations using the citrate-gel auto-combustion method. We focused on tuning the Curie temperature and enhancing the specific absorption rate (SAR) of silica-coated gadolinium-doped lanthanum strontium manganite NPs to make them suitable for self-controlled magnetic hyperthermia. The samples were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and magnetic measurements to examine the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of the manganite NPs. While our results exhibit a successful doping of gadolinium in lanthanum strontium manganite NPs, we further prepared magnetic core NPs with sizes between 20 and 50 nm. The Curie temperature of the NPs declined with increasing gadolinium doping, making them promising materials for hyperthermia applications. The Curie temperature was measured using the magnetization (M-T) curve. Magnetic heating was carried out in an external applied AC magnetic field. Our present work proved the availability of regulating the Curie temperature of gadolinium-doped lanthanum strontium manganite NPs, which makes them promising candidates for self-controlled magnetic hyperthermia applications.

Does the ultrasound imaging predict lower limb tendinopathy in athletes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To conduct a systematic review looking into the possibility of US imaging to anticipate and identify future patellar or Achilles tendinopathy symptoms. METHODS: The studies that were taken into consideration for this review were prospective studies that employed baseline US imaging of the patellar OR Achilles tendons in asymptomatic patients and follow-up measures of pain and/or function. Two impartial reviewers evaluated the study's quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme instrument. RESULTS: Participants in the included studies in this review came from various sports. The systematic review revealed a link between baseline tendon abnormalities in the US and a higher chance of developing both patellar and Achilles tendinopathy as well as their future occurrence. Nine of the included studies examined the patellar tendon alone, eight the patellar and Achilles tendon together, and four the Achilles tendon exclusively. For both tendons, US administration is done in a largely consistent manner. The tendon abnormalities of tendon thickness, hypoechogenicity and vascularity at baseline were associated with an increased risk of both Achilles and patellar tendinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review shows that abnormal tendon structures seen by US in asymptomatic persons can predict the development of tendinopathy.

Amelioration of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Fragaria nubicola (Wild Strawberry) via Attenuation of Inflammatory Mediators in Sprague Dawley Rats.

Background and Objectives: Fragaria nubicola has never been evaluated scientifically for its anti-arthritic potential despite its use in folkloric systems of medicine. The research was conducted to assess the potential of F. nubicola against rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and Methods: The current study provided scientific evidence by evaluating the effects of plants using an in vivo CFA-induced model of arthritic rats and subsequent microscopic histopathological evaluation of ankle joints along with the determination of paw edema using a digital water displacement plethysmometer. The study also gave insight by determining levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMPs), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and biochemical and hematological parameters. GCMS analysis was also conducted for the identification of possible anti-inflammatory plant constituents. Results: The data showed that F. nubicola-treated groups attenuated the progression of arthritis and paw edema. Microscopic histopathological evaluation validated the anti-arthritic potential by showing amelioration of bone erosion, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and pannus formation. RT-PCR analysis displayed that treatment with F. nubicola down-regulated IL1ß, IL6, TNFα, NF-κB, VEGF, MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9 levels. Moreover, ELISA exhibited a reduction in levels of PGE2 levels in treatment groups. The levels of RBCs, platelets, WBCs, and Hb content were found to be nearly similar to negative control in the treated group. Statistically, a non-significant difference was found when all groups were compared for urea, creatinine, ALT, and AST analysis, indicating the safety of plant extract and fractions at test doses. GCMS analysis of extract and fractions showed the existence of many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytochemicals. Conclusion: In conclusion, F. nubicola possessed anti-arthritic properties that might be attributed to the amelioration of MMPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Low-Loss Paper-Substrate Triple-Band-Frequency Reconfigurable Microstrip Antenna for Sub-7 GHz Applications.

In this paper, a low-cost resin-coated commercial-photo-paper substrate is used to design a printed reconfigurable multiband antenna. The two PIN diodes are used mainly to redistribute the surface current that provides reconfigurable properties to the proposed antenna. The antenna size of 40 mm × 40 mm × 0.44 mm with a partial ground, covers wireless and mobile bands ranging from 1.91 GHz to 6.75 GHz. The parametric analysis is performed to achieve optimized design parameters of the antenna. The U-shaped and C-shaped emitters are meant to function at 2.4 GHz and 5.9 GHz, respectively, while the primary emitter is designed to operate at 3.5 GHz. The proposed antenna achieved peak gain and radiation efficiency of 3.4 dBi and 90%, respectively. Simulated and measured results of the reflection coefficient, radiation pattern, gain, and efficiency show that the antenna design is in favorable agreement. Since the proposed antenna achieved wideband (1.91-6.75 GHz) using PIN diode configuration, using this technique the need for numerous electronic components to provide multiband frequency is avoided.

A Comparison of the Modified Alvarado Score and the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (Ripasa) Score in a Southeast Asian Population With Histopathology as the Gold Standard.

Background The diagnosis of acute appendicitis has remained difficult despite it being one of the most common surgical emergencies in the world. One of the most frequently used scoring systems is the Modified Alvarado Score (MAS). However, the MAS has been known to be less efficient in Asian populations. To overcome this issue, the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) score has been specifically developed to improve the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the RIPASA score compared to the MAS for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in a Southeast Asian population keeping histopathology as the gold standard. Methodology The study group comprised 150 patients. Data were collected from each patient using a simple proforma to ascertain both the MAS and the RIPASA score for each patient at the time of presentation. The patients then underwent open appendectomy and histopathology was used as the gold standard to determine the presence or absence of acute appendicitis in the excised specimens. Results The RIPASA score had a sensitivity and specificity of 89.83% and 59.38%, respectively, compared to 64.41% and 53.12%, respectively, for the MAS. Diagnostic accuracy was similarly higher for the RIPASA score at 83.33% versus 62.00% for the MAS. Conclusions The RIPASA score is superior to the MAS for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Using the RIPASA score instead of the MAS in Southeast Asian populations can lead to a more accurate and timely clinical diagnosis of patients with suspected acute appendicitis and help improve patient outcomes.

Intrarater Reliability Of Cervical Range Of Motion Device Among Adults With And Without Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain.

Objective: To evaluate the intrarater reliability of the cervical range of motion device among adults with and without chronic non-specific neck pain. METHODS: The analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2019 at the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi, and comprised healthy adults with no neck pain in the preceding 6 months in Group A, and adults of either gender with chronic non-specific neck pain for >3 months in Group B. The two groups were further divided into age groups 21-30 years, 31-40 years and 41-50 years. A cervical range of motion device was used to measure the range of flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion and right and left rotation of all the subjects. The measurements were taken by a single tester on day-1 and day-3 to assess the intrarater reliability. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. RESULTS: Of the 60 subjects, there were 30(50%) in each of the two groups. Within the groups, there were 10(33.3%) subjects in each of the 3 age subgroups. Overall, there were 27(45%) males and 33(55%) females. In Group A, the intraclass correlation coefficient values for all cervical ranges were between 0.81 and 0.99, whereas in Group B, the values ranged from 0.64 to 0.88. The intraclass correlation coefficient values yielded good to excellent agreement in both groups (>0.75) except for left lateral flexion in Group B (p=0.64), and all the values were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was good to excellent intrarater reliability of cervical range of motion device in adults with and without chronic non-specific neck pain.

Generation of Chemical Space of Compounds for Prostate Cancer Treatment: Biological Activity Prediction, Clustering, and Visualization of Chemical Space.

Designing molecules for pharmaceutical purposes has been a significant focus for several decades. The pursuit of novel drugs is an arduous and financially demanding undertaking. Nevertheless, the integration of computer-assisted frameworks presents a swift avenue for designing and screening drug-like compounds. Within the context of this research, we introduce a comprehensive approach for the design and screening of compounds tailored to the treatment of prostate cancer. To forecast the biological activity of these compounds, we employed machine learning (ML) models. Additionally, an automated process involving the deconstruction and reconstruction of molecular building blocks leads to the generation of novel compounds. Subsequently, the ML models were utilized to predict the biological activity of the designed compounds, and the t-SNE method was employed to visualize the chemical space covered by the novel compounds. A meticulous selection process identified the most promising compounds, and their potential for synthesis was assessed, offering valuable guidance to experimental chemists in their investigative endeavors. Furthermore, fingerprint and heatmap analysis were conducted to evaluate the chemical similarity among the selected compounds. This multifaceted approach, encompassing predictive modeling, compound generation, visualization, and similarity assessment, underscores our commitment to refining the process of identifying potential candidates for further exploration in prostate cancer treatment.