Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH).

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a significant global health concern, with its incidence doubling over the past three decades. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) pose a major threat to CKD patients, surpassing the risk of progressing to end-stage renal disease. While previous studies worldwide have shed light on this association, limited research has been conducted in Saudi Arabia regarding this burden. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the prevalence and risk factors of CVD in CKD patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2017 and 2022. METHODS: A six-year retrospective review of medical records at KAUH was conducted, including 465 non-end-stage CKD patients aged 30 to 79. Data, including demographics, clinical information, and laboratory results, were collected and statistically analyzed to investigate the association between variables. RESULTS: Out of 465 CKD patients, 262 (56.3%) were diagnosed with CVD, with congestive heart failure and ischemic heart disease being the most common types. The majority were male 259 (55.7%), non-Saudi 278 (59.8%), and aged 60 years and older 291 (62.6%). Hypertension 394 (84.7%) and diabetes mellitus 336 (72.3%) were prevalent comorbidities. Severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, proteinuria, diabetes mellitus, and higher BMI were identified as significant risk factors for CVD in CKD patients. CONCLUSION: This research contributes valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors of CVD in CKD patients in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention. The identified risk factors provide a basis for developing targeted preventive strategies to mitigate this population's CVD burden.

Atypical Mongolian Spots With Hurler's Disease: A Case Report.

Mongolian spots are bluish-grey, irregular, hyperpigmented macules present at birth or that appear in the first few weeks of life. They are classified as atypical if they occur in unusual locations without spontaneous disappearance after infancy; or if new lesions continue to appear beyond early infancy. Although they are generally considered benign, recent studies have shown that atypical Mongolian spots may be associated with inborn errors of metabolism, such as lysosomal storage disorders and neurocristopathies. An 11-month-old male presented with multiple aberrant Mongolian spots on the abdomen, back, buttocks, arms, and legs, with the largest patch measuring 10x10 cm. Additionally, the child exhibited coarse facial features, a high-arched palate, low-set ears, and a depressed nasal bridge. Systemic examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly, fundus examination showed a hazy cornea, and the urine glycosaminoglycan test was positive, prompting us to conduct further research prioritising lysosomal storage disorders. The mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) spot test was positive, and electrophoresis for MPS revealed bands for chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate, confirming the diagnosis of MPS. Enzyme assay revealed no alpha-iduronidase activity and normal beta-galactosidase activity, thus confirming Hurler's disease. This case report highlights the importance of considering atypical Mongolian spots as a potential indicator of underlying storage disorders, enabling early intervention.

Educational Paradigms in Islamic Medical History: A Review.

The rise of Islam in Arabia witnessed a scientific pursuit from 8th CE to 14th CE in its vast dominion. Medicine was one among many disciplines that was reshaped during the golden ages of Islamic world. Physicians and scholars from diverse faiths and background flocked in learning centers of Baghdad, Cordoba, and other cities. A multicultural environment of medical research was evolved with fundings from state. From medical teaching and clinical training to the licensing of physicians, many of the modern attributes of medical education were pioneered in Islamic world. The scholarly transfusion from European territories of Islamic world to the Western world in medieval era laid the foundation of modern medical education.

The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Functional Capacity Among Discharged Heart Failure Patients in Jordan.

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is an important factor associated with healthy lifestyle changes in heart failure treatment. Functional capacity testing of heart failure patients (HFPs) can stratify prognosis. Reduced functional capacities in HFPs are linked to a poor heart failure prognosis. Limited research has examined the potential relationship between self-efficacy and functional capacity. AIM: The aims of this study were to assess self-efficacy level and functional capacity among HFPs after hospitalization, and examine whether there is a relationship between them. METHODS: A descriptive correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 220 HFPs was recruited from 2 hospitals in Jordan. The Arabic version of Cardiac Self-Efficacy Questionnaire was used to assess self-efficacy, the 6-Minute Walking Test (6-MWT) was used to assess functional capacity, and the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (Borg Scale) was used to assess exertion during 6-MWT. RESULT: The sample included 46.8% male (n = 103) and 53.2% female (n = 117). The mean age was 52.66 ± 8.91 years. Most of the HFPs were categorized based on New York Heart Association classification as class I, 35.9% (n = 79), and class II, 41.4% (n = 91). The mean ejection fraction was 41.46 ± 9.44. The global self-efficacy was moderate (32.98 ± 9.92), and the mean score for the 6-MWT was 494.35 ± 143.37. The Borg Scale mean was 10.94 ± 3.34. In addition, there was a positive relationship between self-efficacy and 6-MWT (r = 0.63, n = 220, P = .01). CONCLUSION: This study provides baseline data for further research on treatment of HFPs, and the development of evidence-based tailored health interventions to maintain and improve self-efficacy and functional capacity among these service users. Moreover, replicated researches can test the study results considering different methodologies, such as using objective functional capacity tool and longer follow-up periods.

Patient Satisfaction With the Health Care Services of a Government-Financed Health Protection Scheme in Bangladesh: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Since 2016, the government of Bangladesh has been piloting a health protection scheme known as Shasthyo Surokhsha Karmasuchi (SSK), which specifically targets households living below the poverty line. This noncontributory scheme provides enrolled households access to inpatient health care services for 78 disease groups. Understanding patients' experiences with health care utilization from the pilot SSK scheme is important for enhancing the quality of health care service delivery during the national-level scale-up of the scheme. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction with the health care services provided under the pilot health protection scheme in Bangladesh. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with the users of the SSK scheme from August to November 2019. Patients who had spent a minimum of 2 nights at health care facilities were selected for face-to-face exit interviews. During these interviews, we collected information on patients' socioeconomic characteristics, care-seeking experiences, and level of satisfaction with various aspects of health care service delivery. To measure satisfaction, we employed a 5-point Likert scale (very satisfied, 5; satisfied, 4; neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, 3; dissatisfied, 2; very dissatisfied, 1). Descriptive statistics, statistical inferential tests (t-test and 1-way ANOVA), and linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: We found that 55.1% (241/438) of users were either very satisfied or satisfied with the health care services of the SSK scheme. The most satisfactory indicators were related to privacy maintained during diagnostic tests (mean 3.91, SD 0.64), physicians' behaviors (mean 3.86, SD 0.77), services provided at the registration booth (mean 3.86, SD 0.62), confidentiality maintained regarding diseases (mean 3.78, SD 0.72), and nurses' behaviors (mean 3.60, SD 0.83). Poor satisfaction was identified in the interaction of patients with providers about illness-related information (mean 2.14, SD 1.40), availability of drinking water (mean 1.46, SD 0.76), cleanliness of toilets (mean 2.85, SD 1.04), and cleanliness of the waiting room (mean 2.92, SD 1.09). Patient satisfaction significantly decreased by 0.20 points for registration times of 16-30 minutes and by 0.32 points for registration times of >30 minutes compared with registration times of ≤15 minutes. Similarly, patient satisfaction significantly decreased with an increase in the waiting time to obtain services. However, the satisfaction of users significantly increased if they received a complete course of medicines and all prescribed diagnostic services. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the users were satisfied with the services provided under the SSK scheme. However, there is scope for improving user satisfaction. To improve the satisfaction level, the SSK scheme implementation authorities should pay attention to reducing the registration time and waiting time to obtain services and improving the availability of drugs and prescribed diagnostic services. The authorities should also ensure the supply of drinking water and enhance the cleanliness of the facility.

Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Coated PLGA Nanoparticles Encapsulating Ivosidenib with Enhanced Cytotoxicity Against Human Liver Cancer Cells.

Purpose: Ivosidenib (IVO), an isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) used for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cholangiocarcinoma. However, poor solubility, low bioavailability, high dose and side effects limit clinical application of IVO. Methods: Ivosidenib-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-PLGA-NPs) and Ivosidenib-loaded chitosan coated PLGA nanoparticles (IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs) were prepared using emulsification and solvent evaporation method for the treatment of liver cancer. Results: The developed IVO-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (171.7±4.9 nm), PDI (0.333), ZP (-23.0±5.8 mV), EE (96.3±4.3%), and DL (9.66±1.1%); similarly, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were evaluated for their particle size (177.3±5.2 nm), PDI (0.311), ZP +25.9±5.7 mV, EE (90.8±5.7%), and DL (9.42±0.7%). The chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs was evidenced by an increase in mean particle size and positive ZP value. Because of the chitosan coating, the IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs showed a more stable and prolonged release of IVO than IVO-PLGA-NPs. In comparison to pure-IVO, the IVO-PLGA-NPs and IVO-CS-PLGA-NPs were found to be more effective against HepG2 cells, with IC50 values for the MTT assay being approximately half of those of pure-IVO. In HepG2 cells, the expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, and p53 were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated. Conclusion: Overall, these findings suggest that chitosan coating of IVO-PLGA-NPs improves the delivery and efficacy of ivosidenib in liver cancer treatment.

Intermetallic Pd-Y nanoparticles/N-doped carbon nanotubes as multi-active catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction, ethanol oxidation reaction, and zinc-air batteries.

Intermetallic nanomaterials are unique in terms of their band gap, atomic-level arrangement, and well-defined stoichiometry, which allows them to exhibit significantly enhanced catalytic performance in electrochemical applications. However, the preparation of durable intermetallic catalysts with a lower content of platinum group metals is challenging, while the lack of control over the loss of active components limits their long-term application due to weak interaction between the support and the nanostructure. Here, we have designed the intermetallic alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) of PdY on N-doped carbon nanotubes (PdY/NCNTs) as a multifunctional catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR), and zinc-air batteries (ZABs). The strong adhesion through nitrogen ensures the anchoring of alloyed PdY NPs on the NCNTs, which restrains atomic migration and sintering during their conversion to intermetallic phases. This study confirms that there is negligible active site leaching owing to the strong and multiple dative bonds between the NCNTs and PdY NPs. Therefore, this catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic activity, resulting in a mass activity of 1317 and 2902 mA mgPd-1 at jk and jf for the ORR and the EOR, respectively, and remains stable for a longer period. In addition, the PdY/NCNT-containing air cathode-fabricated ZAB achieved a higher power density (0.236 W cm-2) compared to the benchmark Pt/C.

Cell surface expression of Ribophorin I, an endoplasmic reticulum protein, over different cell types.

Ribophorin-1 serves as one of the subunits of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Until now, RPN-1 was considered an ER protein. However, our findings reveal that a minor fraction of RPN-1 escapes from the lumen of the ER and is ectopically expressed on the surface of different cell lines. The precise mechanism of protein translocation is unknown. The expression of RPN-1 was demonstrated through the isolation of membrane proteins using surface biotinylation and sucrose density gradient techniques. The confirmation of RPN-1 was obtained through surface staining using a specific antibody, revealing its expression on various cell lines. Additionally, we examined the expression of RPN-1 in different populations of PBMCs and observed a differential regulation of RPN-1 within PBMC subpopulations. Notably, there was a significant expression of RPN-1 on monocytes and B cells, but there was little to no population of T cells expressing RPN-1. We confirmed the expression of RPN-1 on THP-1, U937, and Jurkat cells. We also confirmed their surface expression through si-RNA knockdown. Our study shows RPN-1 expression on various cell surfaces, suggesting varied regulation among cell types. In the future, we may uncover its roles in immune function, signaling, and differentiation/proliferation.

Adsorbents from rice husk and shrimp shell for effective removal of heavy metals and reactive dyes in water.

Widespread contamination by heavy metals (HMs) and dyes poses a major health risk to people and ecosystems requiring effective treatment. In this work, rice husk (RH) and shrimp shells were extracted to obtain amorphous silica and chitosan, respectively, which were utilized to produce nano-chitosan-coated silica (NCCS). To ensure the stability of the nanoparticles, silica was freeze-dried after being coated with nano-chitosan. Functional groups (-NH2, -OH, P]O) from chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were introduced to the surface of silica during this process. Dyes such as brilliant green (BG), methylene blue (MB) and reactive brown (RB) as well as HMs (Cr6+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+) were removed by adsorbents. CNPs showed the highest adsorption capacity for RB (59.52 mg/g) among dyes and Cr6+ (42.55 mg/g) among HMs. CNPs showed the highest adsorption capacity for HMs among different adsorbents. Although NCCS and CNPs showed similar adsorption capabilities for HMs and dyes, NCCS showed the best stability. The adsorption performance decreased as RB > Cr6+ > MB > BG > Pb2+ > Cd2+ > Ni2+. The adsorption reactions followed both pseudo-first-order and second-order kinetics, and was spontaneous from thermodynamic analysis. In summary, the waste-derived adsorbents demonstrated excellent potential for removing HMs and dyes from water, while supporting effective management solid waste.

Phosphorus-doped T-graphene nanocapsule toward O3 and SO2 gas sensing: a DFT and QTAIM analysis.

Tetragonal graphene nano-capsule (TGC), a novel stable carbon allotrope of sp2 hybridization is designed and doped with phosphorus (P) to study the O3 and SO2 gas sensitivity via density functional theory calculation. Real frequencies verified the natural existence of both TGC and P-doped TGC (PTGC). Both TGC and PTGC suffer structural deformations due to interaction with O3 and SO2 gases. The amount of charge transfer from the adsorbent to the gas molecule is significantly greater for O3 adsorption than SO2 adsorption. The adsorption energies for TGC + O3 and PTGC + O3 complexes are - 3.46 and - 4.34 eV respectively, whereas for TGC + SO2 and PTGC + SO2 complexes the value decreased to - 0.29 and - 0.30 eV respectively. The dissociation of O3 is observed via interaction with PTGC. A significant variation in electronic energy gap and conductivity results from gas adsorption which can provide efficient electrical responses via gas adsorption. The blue/red shift in the optical response proved to be a way of detecting the types of adsorbed gases. The adsorption of O3 is exothermic and spontaneous whereas the adsorption of SO2 is endothermic and non-spontaneous. The negative change in entropy verifies the thermodynamic stability of all the complexes. QTAIM analysis reveals strong covalent or partial covalent interactions between absorbent and adsorbate. The significant variation in electrical and optical response with optimal adsorbent-gas interaction strength makes both TGC and PTGC promising candidates for O3 and SO2 sensing.

A first principles study of RbSnCl3 perovskite toward NH3, SO2, and NO gas sensing.

The sensitivity of a RbSnCl3 perovskite 2D layer toward NH3, SO2, and NO toxic gases has been studied via DFT analysis. The tri-atomic layer of RbSnCl3 possessed a tetragonal symmetry with a band gap of 1.433 eV. The adsorption energies of RbSnCl3 for NH3, SO2 and NO are -0.09, -0.43, and -0.56 eV respectively with a recovery time ranging from 3.4 × 10-8 to 3.5 ms. RbSnCl3 is highly sensitive toward SO2 and NO compared to NH3. The adsorption of SO2 and NO results in a significant structural deformation and a semiconductor-to-metal transition of RbSnCl3 perovskite. A high absorption coefficient (>103 cm-1), excessive optical conductivity (>1014 s-1), and a very low reflectivity (<3%) make RbSnCl3 a potential candidate for numerous optoelectronic applications. A significant shift in optical responses is observed through SO2 and NO adsorption, which can enable identification of the adsorbed gases. The studied characteristics signify that RbSnCl3 can be a potential candidate for SO2 and NO detection.

Parkinson's Disease Dementia Patients: Expression of Glia Maturation Factor in the Brain.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of dopaminergic neuronal loss and motor disorders. PD dementia (PDD) is a cognitive disorder that affects many PD patients. We have previously demonstrated the proinflammatory role of the glia maturation factor (GMF) in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in AD, PD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in human brains and animal models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of the GMF in the human PDD brain. We analyzed the expression pattern of the GMF protein in conjunction with amyloid plaques (APs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum of PDD brains using immunostaining. We detected a large number of GMF-positive glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) reactive astrocytes, especially abundant in areas with degenerating dopaminergic neurons within the SN and striatum in PDD. Additionally, we observed excess levels of GMF in glial cells in the vicinity of APs, and NFTs in the SN and striatum of PDD and non-PDD patients. We found that the majority of GMF-positive immunoreactive glial cells were co-localized with GFAP-reactive astrocytes. Our findings suggest that the GMF may be involved in the pathogenesis of PDD.

Photocatalytic Degradation of Pharmaceutical Residues from Water and Sewage Effluent Using Different TiO2 Nanomaterials.

Pharmaceuticals are widely used and often discharged without metabolism into the aquatic systems. The photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical compounds propranolol, mebeverine, and carbamazepine was studied using different titanium dioxide nanostructures suspended in water under UV and UV-visible irradiation. Among three different photocatalysts, the degradation was most effective by using Degussa P25 TiO2, followed by Hombikat UV100 and Aldrich TiO2. The photocatalytic performance was dependent on photocatalyst dosage, with an optimum concentration of 150 mg L-1. The natural aquatic colloids were shown to enhance the extent of photocatalysis, and the effect was correlated with their aromatic carbon content. In addition, the photocatalysis of pharmaceuticals was enhanced by the presence of nitrate, but inhibited by the presence of 2-propanol, indicating the importance of hydroxyl radicals. Under optimum conditions, the pharmaceuticals were rapidly degraded, with a half-life of 1.9 min, 2.1 min, and 3.2 min for propranolol, mebeverine, and carbamazepine, respectively. In treating sewage effluent samples, the photocatalytic rate constants for propranolol (0.28 min-1), mebeverine (0.21 min-1), and carbamazepine (0.15 min-1) were similar to those in water samples, demonstrating the potential of photocatalysis as a clean technology for the effective removal of pharmaceuticals from sewage effluent.

The effectiveness of a government-sponsored health protection scheme in reducing financial risks for the below-poverty-line population in Bangladesh.

The Government of Bangladesh is piloting a non-contributory health protection scheme called Shasthyo Surokhsha Karmasuchi (SSK) to increase access to quality essential healthcare services for the below-poverty-line (BPL) population. This paper assesses the effect of the SSK scheme on out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for healthcare, catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and economic impoverishment of the enrolled population. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Tangail District, where the SSK was implemented. From August 2019 to March 2020, a total of 2315 BPL households (HHs) (1170 intervention and 1145 comparison) that had at least one individual with inpatient care experience in the last 12 months were surveyed. A household is said to have incurred CHE if their OOPE for healthcare exceeds the total (or non-food) HH's expenditure threshold. Multiple regression analysis was performed using OOPE, incidence of CHE and impoverishment as dependent variables and SSK membership status, actual BPL status and benefits use status as the main explanatory variables. Overall, the OOPE was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the intervention areas (Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 23 366) compared with the comparison areas (BDT 24 757). Regression analysis revealed that the OOPE, CHE incidence at threshold of 10% of total expenditure and 40% of non-food expenditure and impoverishment were 33% (P < 0.01), 46% (P < 0.01), 42% (P < 0.01) and 30% (P < 0.01) lower, respectively, in the intervention areas than in the comparison areas. Additionally, HHs that utilized SSK benefits experienced even lower OOPE by 92% (P < 0.01), CHE incidence at 10% and 40% threshold levels by 72% (P < 0.01) and 59% (P < 0.01), respectively, and impoverishment by 27% at 10% level of significance. These findings demonstrated the significant positive effect of the SSK in reducing financial burdens associated with healthcare utilization among the enrolled HHs. This illustrates the importance of the nationwide scaling up of the scheme in Bangladesh to reduce the undue financial risk of healthcare utilization for those in poverty.

Pulmonary vein isolation plus adjunctive therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the primary technique for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). It is unclear whether adjunctive therapies in addition to PVI can reduce atrial arrhythmia recurrence (AAR) compared to PVI alone in patients with AF. METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing PVI plus an adjunctive therapy (autonomic modulation, linear ablation, non-pulmonary vein trigger ablation, epicardial PVI [hybrid ablation], or left atrial substrate modification) to PVI alone was conducted. The primary outcome was AAR. Cumulative odd's ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each treatment type. RESULTS: Forty-six trials were identified that included 8,500 participants. The mean age (± standard deviation) was 60.2 (±4.1) years, and 27.2% of all patients were female. The mean follow-up time was 14.6 months. PVI plus autonomic modulation and PVI plus hybrid ablation were associated with a relative 53.1% (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.69; p < 0.001) and 59.1% (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.75; p = 0.003) reduction in AAR, respectively, compared to PVI alone. All categories had at least moderate interstudy heterogeneity except for hybrid ablation. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive autonomic modulation and epicardial PVI may improve the effectiveness of PVI. Larger, multi-center randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these therapies.

A-Site Cation Replacement of Hydrazinium Lead Iodide Perovskites by Borane Ammonium Ions: A DFT Calculation.

Organometallic perovskites have become one of the most common multifunctional materials in optoelectronic research fields. This research studies density functional theory calculation on orthorhombic hydrazinium lead iodide (N2 H5 PbI3 ) perovskite by replacing A-site cation with a borane ammonium (BH2 NH3 + ) ion. The perovskite showed a significant structural deformation and an orthorhombic to triclinic phase transition due to A-site ion replacement. The N2 H5 PbI3 perovskite has a band gap of 1.64 eV, suitable for the solar cell absorber layer. The band gap has increased to 2.12 eV after complete A-site ion replacement. All structures showed a high absorption coefficient over 104  cm-1 in the low wavelength region and an increase in refractive index from 2.5 to 2.75 due to ion replacement. All the structures showed high optical conductivity of 1015  s-1 order in the blue wavelength region. These new perovskite structures hold the potential to provide a revolution in optoelectronic research.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of either or both mirabegron and silodosin, as a medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of either or both silodosin and mirabegron as MET for distal ureteric stones ≤ 10 mm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study enrolled a total of 105 patients, aged between 20 and 56 years, diagnosed by single radiopaque distal ureteral stone measuring ≤ 10 mm. The recruitment period spanned from May 2020 to December 2021. The patients were randomly divided into three groups, with each group consisting of 35 participants. Group A received a once-daily dose of 8 mg of silodosin, group B received a once-daily dose of 50 mg of mirabegron, and group C received a combination of both medications. Treatment was administered to all patients until the stone was expelled or for a maximum duration of four weeks. The stone-free rate was determined by analyzing KUB films with or without ultrasonography. RESULTS: The rate of stone expulsion was significantly higher in group C compared to groups A and B (P = 0.04 and P = 0.004, respectively). The mean (standard deviation) time for stone expulsion in groups A, B, and C was 14 ± 2.3 days, 11 ± 3.1 days, and 7 ± 2.2 days, respectively. Group C demonstrated a significantly shorter stone expulsion time compared to groups A and B (P = 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). The frequency of renal colic in group C was significantly lower than that in groups A and B, resulting in a reduced requirement for analgesics (P < 0.05). Anejaculation occurred at a significantly higher rate in the silodosin group (73.9%) and combination group (84%) compared to the mirabegron group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that both silodosin and mirabegron are effective treatments for the expulsion of lower ureteric stones. Furthermore, the combination of these medications leads to an increased rate of stone expulsion and a reduced duration of expulsion.

A first-principles investigation of Cr adsorption on C8 and B4N4 nanocages in aqueous mediums.

Heavy metal removal from polluted environments is one of the vital research areas for better and healthier living. In this research, C8 and B4N4 nanocage-like quantum dots are investigated for heavy metal (Cr) removal applications via density functional theory calculations. The adsorption of up to two Cr atoms has been studied in both air and a water medium. The adsorption of Cr atoms results in significant structural deformation of the adsorbents with a high adsorption energy of -8.74 and -5.77 eV for C8 and B4N4 nanostructures, respectively, which is further increased with an increasing number of Cr atoms. All adsorbents and complex structures showed real vibrational frequencies. Mulliken charge and electrostatic potential analysis reveal a significant charge transfer between adsorbate-adsorbent. The adsorption process causes a decrease in the energy gap of the adsorbents. All the reactions in this study were spontaneous and thermodynamically ordered. QTAIM analysis verifies that the interactions of the adsorbents with Cr atoms are strong partial covalent. The study's findings make C8 and B4N4 nanostructures potential candidates for Cr-detection and removal applications.

Interaction between gastric enzyme pepsin and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide in presence of sodium electrolytes: Exploration of micellization behavior.

Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme used in the treatment of digestive disorders. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties of the tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) and pepsin protein mixture in various sodium salt media within a temperature range of 300.55-320.55 K with 5 K intervals. The conductometric study of the TTAB+pepsin mixture revealed a reduction in the critical micelle concentration (CMC) in electrolyte media. The micellization of TTAB was delayed in the presence of pepsin. The CMC of the TTAB + pepsin mixture was found to depend on the concentrations of electrolytes and protein, as well as the temperature variations. The aggregation of the TTAB+pepsin mixture was hindered as a function of [pepsin] and increasing temperatures, while micellization was promoted in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The negative free energy changes (∆Gm0) indicated the spontaneous aggregation of the TTAB+pepsin mixture. Changes in enthalpy, entropy, molar heat capacities, transfer properties, and enthalpy-entropy compensation variables were calculated and illustrated rationally. The interaction forces between TTAB and pepsin protein in the experimental solvents were primarily hydrophobic and electrostatic (ion-dipole) in nature. An analysis of molecular docking revealed hydrophobic interactions as the main stabilizing forces in the TTAB-pepsin complex.