Search results for “Action”

Interactions Between Natural Nuclear Reactors and Microbial Evolutionary Processes

The impact of ionizing radiation on genetic change is well established, yet the extent to which naturally occurring radiation fields have influenced evolutionary trajectories remains incompletely understood. This study examined correlations between microbial evolution and the radiation and geochemical environments associated with natural fission reactors, with emphasis on the Oklo–Bangombé system in present-day Gabon, Africa. The current paper compares plausible doserate regimes adjacent to reactor zones with published observations of radiationinduced phenotypes, geneexpression changes, and repair strategies in model organisms and complex biotas. This study further considers indirect mechanisms (e.g., water radiolysis, redox restructuring, tracemetal mobilization) by which natural reactors could have modulated ecological selection pressures over long timescales. The synthesis supports the plausibility of three interacting pathways: (i) increased mutation supply under low, chronic dose rates; (ii) selection in oxidantrich, redoxstratified niches; and (iii) metabolic subsidies (e.g., H₂) from radiolysis that support chemotrophic guilds. Although temporal–spatial associations exist between reactor activity and biological innovations preserved in Paleoproterozoic strata of Gabon, current evidence remains correlational rather than demonstrably causal. The study further outlines testable predictions and experimental designs capable of discriminating among these mechanisms.

Synthesis of N-Glycosyl Amides via Hydrolysis of Protected Glycosyl Oxazolines and Ritter-like Reactions of Native Carbohydrates

A stereoselective synthesis of N-glycosyl amides was studied from available N-glycosyl oxazolines prepared by Ritter-like reactions of protected sugar acetonides. Hydrolysis reactions of the protected pentofuranosyl and hexafuranosyl oxazolines, as precursors of glycosyl amine derivatives, were carried out in the presence of silica gel in chloroform to giveN-α- and β-glycosyl amides in good yields after column chromatography on silica gel. Access to selectively blocked N-α-xylo-, -ribo-, β-arabino-furanosyl, α-glyco-, α-allo-furanosyl, α- and β-galactopyranosyl amides (twelve examples) useful for preparing modified N-glycosides was accomplished through a mild hydrolysis of sugar oxazolines with 2-alkyl substituents in acidic and neutral conditions. To further explore the scope of the BF3.Et2O-mediated approachdeveloped for N-furanosyl oxazolines, a stereoselective synthesis of protected N-α-hexopyranosyl oxazoline was fulfilled in a high yield from d-galactopyranose diacetonide derivative. The Ritter-like promoted reaction between D-arabinose and benzonitrile afforded 2-phenyl-β-d-arabinofurano-(1,2-d)-2-oxazoline as the main product. In acetonitrile the BF3.Et2O-KHF2-assisted reactions of unprotected native sugars were found to result in the formation of mixtures of N-furanosyl and pyranosyl acetamides.

Call to Action: The Need for Adverse Drug Event (ADE) Standardization and Codification Through Improved ADE Definitions, Documentation and Mapping, as well as More Refined Medication Definitions

Information on adverse drug event (ADE) assessment and prevention within Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is difficult for clinicians to use and produces wide-ranging results. Challenges include inconsistent ADE and drug product definition and documentation, workflows, terminology standardization, interoperability, and clinical decision support (CDS) to inform clinical decision-making within EHRs. These factors contribute to care issues for clinicians, such as alert fatigue and provider burden for clinicians and medical errors, patient harm, and even death for patients. Clinicians play the primary role in documenting, reviewing, detecting, and preventing ADEs within EHRs. It is essential that clinicians, clinical informaticists, nursing informaticists, pharmacy informaticists, and the health informatics profession understand the current electronic ADE paradigm to advocate for improved detection and prevention of ADEs within EHRs.

Retraction Note: Association of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Severity of COVID- 19: A Multicentric Study from Maharashtra, India

Increased Reaction Vessel Surface Area Decreases the Overall Mortality Rate of Rana catesbeiana Larvae during Chemically Induced Metamorphosis

Stimulating precocious metamorphosis in anuran larvae is an important pedagogical tool for understanding vertebrate development. However, historically, artificially provoking metamorphosis by immersing tadpoles in exogenous inducing agents (e.g., thyroxine, and iodine) compromises the longevity of the experimental animals, resulting in up to 100% mortality within a week. In our undergraduate teaching lab, we house our experimental tadpoles in circular glass dishes having a surface area of 182 cm2. Over the past four academic years this lab was performed, we observed 100% mortality of experimental animals within 10, 12, or 15 days when treated with 10-5 M, 10-6 M, or 10-7 M thyroxine, respectively. Here, we investigated whether increasing the surface area to 413 cm2 using square glass dishes would reduce the mortality of the treated animals. Omnibus Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in mortality in tadpoles reared in the larger square dishes compared to those housed in the smaller round dishes (P < 0.05). However, increasing the surface area of our reaction vessels could not rescue survivability of those tadpoles immersed in thyroxine, but did increase survivability of control tadpoles maintained in pond water (P < 0.01), tadpoles subjected to iodine (P < 0.05) or treated with actinomycin D (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that increasing available reaction vessel surface area reduces overall tadpole mortality during chemically modified metamorphosis in an undergraduate teaching lab setting.

Novel Methods for Inhibiting Amyloidogenesis in the Presence of Peptides to Block Hydrophobic Interactions

Amyloid fibrils, which are caused by abnormal conformation and the mis-assembly of proteins, are responsible for several conformational diseases, including prion diseases. To develop methods to prevent amyloid formation, blocking peptides with hydrophilic substitutions covering the stem forming regions of barnase 1-24 were prepared and examined for their ability to block amyloid-forming fragments—prion, Amyloid β, Pmel 17—. When these fragments were mixed with the synthetic blocking peptides, the result was a decline in the intensity of fluorescence, suggesting that amyloid formation was inhibited. Therefore, amyloidogenesis appears to be specifically inhibited by disrupting the hydrophobic interactions between core amyloid regions.

Retraction Note: A Microglia Initiated Target Therapy in Neuroinflammation for Alzheimer’s Patients

Retraction Note: Leap into Fetal Surgery; In Utero Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy, A Contemporary Approach to Treating Myelomeningocele

Genotype x Environment Interaction and Yield Stability Analysis of Some Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Genotypes across Different Environments in Sudan

Genotype by environment (GE) interaction is considered to be among the major factors limiting the efficiency of breeding programs.Five chickpea genotypes were evaluated to study their adaptability and stability in eight environments of Sudan. The experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in four locations in over two years (2017/2018 and 2018/2019).Stability was estimated using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model.A Combined analysis of variance showed significant effects of genotypes, locations, years and their interactions on seed yield. Mean seed yield ranged between 1.88 and 1.45 t ha-1 for the genotypes FLIP 08-59 C and FLIP 09-187 C, respectively. The genotype FLIP 08-59 C gave the highest average seed yield and out-yielded the two checks, Shiekh Mohamed and Burgeig by 9.5% and 10.1%, respectively. The newly introduced (FLIP 08-59 C) showed non- significant differences in earliness as compared to the other two standard checks resistant to fusarium wilt disease and with good seed weight. The statistical analysis showed that genotype (G), environment (E) and their interaction (GEI) had highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) effect on seed yield. It also revealed that environmental differences accounted for 90.2% of the total variation. The results of data analysis displayed that the percentages of seed yield by environment, genotype and genotype environment interaction were 90.2%, 3.6% and 6.3%, respectively. The IPCA 1 and IPCA 2 axes (Principal Components) were highly significant P ≤ 0.001). The model for seed chickpea yield stability (the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model) showed that the G1 (FLIP 08-59 C) was adapted, high yielding and considered as stable genotype for Gezira, River Nile and Northern States of Sudan. In addition, this genotype is early flowering with non-significant differences in earliness as compared to the two checks and with good seed weight. Therefore, the above mentioned genotype FLIP 08-59 C could be recommended as commercially stable and high yielding cultivar and/or incorporated as breeding stocks in any future breeding programs aiming to produce high yielding genotypes of chickpea.

Baroreflex Sensitivity, Cardiac and Kidney Remodeling and Deterioration in Vasoactive Substances Content in Blood in Experimental Model of Renovascular Hypertension. Action of Natural Flavone, Luteolin

This study aimed to analyze pharmacological actions of phenolic compound luteolin on the renal and cardiac hypertrophy, blood pressure (BP), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) and endothelin-1 (E1) in plasma in the 2 kidney - 1 clip (2K-1C) model of renovascular hypertension (RVH). All animals, were randomized into 2 groups: control (normal) I - sham-operated, II- RVH male Wistar rats, which after 4 weeks of surgical intervention secondly randomized to control II group, treated 0.1% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and main group - with luteolin in 15 DMSO, 3 mg/kg body weight, intraperitonially, during 2 weeks. ET-1, EETs and PGE2 levels investigated in carotid artery blood plasma and analyzed using ELISA kits. All data statistically analyzed using the SPSS-10.0 program. In RVH rats BP increased by 32%, cardiac and right kidney hypertrophy and reduction in parasympathetic component of BRS by 40% and sympathetic by 39%. The plasma level of total trans-EETs and PGE2 in RVH rats decreased by 44% and 50% respectively, while the level of ET-1 increased by 67%. Two weeks treatment with luteolin lowered BP, improved parasympathetic, without marked changes in sympathetic component of BRS. Deremodeling of cardiac and renal hypertrophy under prolonged treatment with luteolin accompanied with increasing in the level of EETs by 44%, PGE-2 by 50% and markedly reducing of plasma content of ET-1 (by 60%). Inhibition of EET hydrolase using low doses of luteolin provides beneficial cardio and renoprotective action in experimental model of RVH.

Success Driven: Student Motivation Actions in Teaching and Learning

The purpose of this topic is to add to the body of good teaching and learning that helps create the conditions for more critical thinking and practice skills that enable, keep students interested, and consistently motivate them. Teachers now have a greater focus on implementing motivational learning and studying strategies that are more relevant to the processes of teaching and learning thanks to new methodologies, which have further enhanced instructional strategies for teaching and learning. Positive school cultures that are long-lasting will result from these new methods and strategies. According to the authors, educators have been impacted by evidence-based practice and data-based decision making within the educational system. As a result, there is a growing need for educators to learn more about these resources that are relevant to students and can lead to greater success. These applicable interventions have a positive effect on students, and the information that helps them make decisions increases their response.

Retraction Note: The Impact of Underwater Sound on Aquatic Animals – And Especially Fishes

Retraction Note: Development of Biorational Management Package of Root Knot Nematode Disease of Country Bean

A One-Pot Synthesis of Sulfonyl Amidinesvia Three-Component Reaction Under Mild and Solvent-Free Conditions

A convenient one-pot synthetic protocol for the preparation of sulfonyl amidines has been developed. The procedure combines three-component reaction of sulfonyl azide, methyl propiolate and secondary cyclic amine coupling in one sequence without any solvent or catalyst and at room temperature. The reaction proceeds smoothly and a variety of desired sulfonyl amidines were obtained in moderate to good yields. This protocol has synthetic advantages in terms of low environmental impact and very short reaction time.

Retraction Note: Profile of Children with Covid 19 Infection in our Set Up

Retraction Note: Postulation of the Effect of Unpredicted Predisposing Factors for Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activities of Fractions of Acanthus Montanus (Acanthaceae) on Adult Heligmosomoides Bakeri (Nematoda, Heligmosomatidae)

Acanthus montanusNees T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) has been employed in folk medicine for treatment of different kinds of ailment, but there is dearth of documented information on its therapeutic activities against parasites. In this study, pulverized Acanthus montanusleaf was subjected to four different extraction techniques. The percentage of yields were 25.58%, 31.42%, 11.58% and 3.00% weight by weight (w/w) of crude ethanol extract (CEE), aqueous (AQ), n-butanol (BUT) and chloroform (CHLO) portions, respectively. All the extracts, excluding the chloroform portion were administered to worm-infested mice per os at dose of 1.2 g/kg, 1.4 g/kg, 1.7 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg each for five days consecutive. Mice were euthanized and the adult worm counted for rates of deparasitization. The aqueous extract did not cause significant deparasitization even at the highest dose of 2.0 g/kg. The CEE caused significant (p<0.05) deparasitization rate of 72.35% at 2.0 g/kg dose. The n-butanol portion caused significant (p<0.05) deparasitization rates at doses between 1.4 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg (86.17% and 97.04% respectively) compared to figures from distilled water-treated mice (Control) as well as those from mice treated with the aqueous or crude ethanol portion. The 97.04% deparasitization produced by the 2.0 g/kg dose was not stastistically different (p>0.05) from the 100% deparasitization obtained using albendazole at the manufacturer’s recommended dose of 10 mg/kg. This study has demonstrated that the n-butanol extract of Acanthus montanus leaf has profound anthelmintic activity against experimental Heligmosomoidesbakeri infection in mice. Further phytochemical analysis and evaluation is being advocated in large animals and possibly human subjects.  

Effect of Hyamine-1622 Cationic Surfactant on Pertraction of Cerium (IV) Cations Through Emulsion Liquid Membranes

The present study aims to shed light directly towards the extraction of (IV) cerium ions using "liquid surfactant membrane" technology, "LSM" developed in the presence of synergistic cationic and nonionic materials. The effect of various factors such as Ce (IV) transport, synergistic surfactants, curing ratio, stir speed, temperature, and mixing time between the carrier and the cerium ion on the extraction rate was studied by LSM taking into account surfactant agents. The positive effect of benzethonium chloride "Hy-1622" on the extraction of cerium ion was demonstrated by LSMs technique. Experiments confirmed the efficiency of Hy-1622 chloride synergistically with Span 80/85 to extract cerium ions with LSMs technology for emulsions in the oil phase is critical as it determines the stability, viscosity and mass transfer resistance of the resulting emulsion. Besides, Hy-1622 chloride was found as a new cationic surfactant that appeared in FTIR characterization and surfactant was found to speed up the permeability process and accelerate the extraction rate due to electrostatic interaction with the carrier.

Retraction Note: Non-surgical Removal of Basal Cell Carcinoma by Apis Mellifera L Venom

Process Evaluation of Auditable Pharmaceutical Transaction Service in Seka primary Hospital, Jimma Zone, South West Ethiopia

Background A well-functioning drug supply management is the corner stone for any meaningful health service. However, Pharmaceutical supply systems in many developing countries have severe problems, including inefficient selection, procurement and use of drugs. The magnitude and extent of the problem is huge and chronic in the Ethiopian health care system for a long time. Objective To evaluate auditable pharmaceutical transaction service process in Seka primary hospital, Jimma zone south west Ethiopia. Evaluation Methodology Case study design involving both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted in Seka primary hospital. The focus of this evaluation was on the process of Auditable pharmaceutical transaction service. The evaluation was focused on process part of the program with dimensions; availability, compliance and client satisfaction in the dimension of accommodation. Resource inventory, document review; key informant interviews and observations were conducted. Client satisfaction was assessed through exit interview; with sample size of 326. The qualitative data was analyzed manually using thematic analysis and quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 software. Results In Seka primary hospital, percentage availability of the 32 selected Key medicinewas 10.7(82.0%) and there were no expired drugs found on their shelves. The availability of 17 of the required 20(85%) professionals was adequate according the Auditable pharmaceutical transaction service. The average lead time was found to be less than five days. The average counselling and dispensing time were 5:43 minutes and 1:17 minutes, respectively. The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.0. The 1154(97.9%) of drugs prescribed by generic name and 1175(99.7%) of prescribed drugs on Essential Drug List indicates prescribers ‘adherence to facility specific List. Conclusion This evaluation revealed that (based on the pre-set judgment criteria) the achievement of the Auditable pharmaceutical transaction service in Seka primary Hospital was GOOD 82.6 % (achieved 355.2 of 430 weight given), i.e. even though it is Good achievement ,there are areas that needs improvement. Areas for improvement identified were: Pre- and in-service training for all health workers involved in store room and dispensary to improve on the medium counselling time, poor record keeping and the extremely poor labelingof drugs which this all improve the overall client satisfaction.

The Interaction Model of Concentrated Solar Radiation with Materials

The paper analyzes approaches to modeling the processes of interaction of concentrated solar radiation with materials. The experimental results obtained on the synthesis of materials from a melt in a solar furnace are presented. The features of the interaction of concentrated solar radiation with materials are analyzed. The mechanisms are described and a model for the interaction of concentrated solar radiation with materials is created. A feasibility study is proposed for the technology of glass-based glass materials obtained on the Big Solar Furnace.

Genetic-Mathematical Modelling of the Populations Interaction

The solution of a genetic-mathematical problem of interaction of the human population cells and virus population to a problem of pandemic COVID-19 is submitted. The mathematical model based on the Hardy - Weinberg law consisting of two interdependent differential equations is used. The equations reflect time dynamics of the human cells and virus populations during their interaction. Solutions of the differential equations are found and results of these solutions are analyzed. The estimation of duration pandemic is received at use of parameters of the human liver cells and a flu virus.

Effects of Different Extraction Methods on Antioxidant Properties and Allicin Content of Garlic

The ever-present need for human communities to extract herbal active ingredients has necessitated many studies to be carried out in order to introduce more efficient and cost-effective extraction processes. The traditional extraction methods are very time consuming and use large volumes of solvents. The large volumes of solvents consumed in such methods not only increase costs but also pose many environmental problems. New extraction methods have been recently introduced to replace the traditional ones. These new methods reduce the volumes of required solvents, shorten the process and increase its efficiency and improve the quality of the products. In this study, the three methods of immersion, boiling, and ultrasound using water/ethanol solvents were employed for garlic extraction and compared with each other in terms of the extraction speed and time, the antioxidant property of the extract, and the quantity of the heat-sensitive active ingredient. The results showed that the highest allicin content (0.086%) was observed in the ultrasonic aqueous extract. The largest amounts of phenolic compounds (0.311 mg gallic acid equivalent) were observed in the ultrasonic aqueous extract followed by the aqueous extract prepared after 72 h in a shaking incubator. The highest inhibition rate (50% at 5000 ppm) was that of the ultrasonic aqueous extract and the shaken aqueous extract. Other extracts achieved an inhibition rate of 50% at 8000 ppm. Therefore, ultrasonic extraction can be a good alternative to traditional extraction methods.

Quantification and Comparison of Opium (Morphine) and Tramadol from Biological Samples "Liquid - Liquid Extraction"

Two analgesic were determined opium (morphine) and tramadol and comparison between two methods of extractions from biological samples. Opium and its derivatives and tramadol are the most commonly used medications for treatment of acute and chronic pain. opium was used as a sedative and hypnotic, but it was determined to be addictive and tramadol prescribed narcotic analgesic; main metabolite of opium is morphine and tramadol overdose was reported old male 40 years. Morphine and tramadol isolated by two methods of extraction, Stas Otto and ammonium sulfate extraction from liver tissues and comparison between efficiency of the two methods. Liver extractions have morphine and tramadol was quantified by GC-MS. Morphine was determined in liver concentration 176 u/g in Stas Otto. Liver concentration of morphine 267 u/g in ammonium sulfate extraction. Tramadol was determined in liver concentration 26.18 u/g in Stas Otto. Liver concentration of tramadol 22.41 u/g in ammonium sulfate extraction.

Invivo Impact of Malaria and HIV Co-Infection on CD4 Cell Count of Infected Patients of Niger Delta Extraction

The study evaluated the impact of co-infection of malaria parasitaemia, and HIV positive indices on the CD4 cell count of 120 HIV infected subjects, who were already diagnosed and visiting Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital Port Harcourt for routine Medical check-up. Also, a control group of 40 HIV negative were included as part of the study control group. The subjects were between the age ranges of ≤10–79 years respectively. A double check laboratory assay was conducted to detect the presence of antibody to HIV as confirmed using immunocomb 11 and Determine for HIV status. A thick Blood film stained with field stain (A and B) was used to detect the presence of malaria parasite in the subject’s blood. Furthermore, CD4 cell count was assayed using Partec cyflow counter (Partec, Germany). Excel and Graphpad statistical software were used for analysis of the data generated. The result among the HIV positive subjects and control subjects revealed that the highest positive for malaria infection was observed among ≤10 years age group as 2 (100%) and 11 (84.61%) respectively. In the HIV positive subjects, the distribution of malaria infection among sex revealed a high rate in male 42(77.78%) than in female 44 (66.67%). Similarly, the control recorded a high rate of malaria infection in male 11 (57.89%) than in female 7 (33.33%). However, 86 (71.67%) had malaria and HIV co-infection while 34 (65%) had only HIV mono infection. The positive HIV subjects who had CD4 cells count below 200 cells/mm3 were 15%, above 200-499cells/mm3 were 58.3% while 500 cells/mm3 and above had normal CD4 cells counts for 26%. Nonetheless, for the control subjects, no CD4 cells count of below 200cells/ mm was observed, 2.5% fell within the moderate category while 75% had normal CD4 cells count. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and t-test showed that there is significant difference between CD4 of seropositive and seronegative subjects infected with or without malaria (p=0.00). In addition, a t-test further demonstrated Comparison of Mean CD4 Cell Count among HIV and Malaria Infected and Non-Infected Subjects. MP/HIV Co-Infection and Mono Infection with No Infection showed strong mean difference (p=0.00) in the various CD4 counts while HIV Mono-Infection and others only had a non significant (p=0.44) mean difference between HIV Mono-Infection and No HIV or Malaria Infection. A robust and effective malaria and HIV control management programme should be strongly underpinned; so as to improve the quality of life of patients and HIV patients should be encouraged to live a healthy life style, through the provision of antiretroviral drugs and regular health education engagement, even as the provision of antimalarial treated net would be helpful to the subjects.

The Follicular Impaction-Nevus Comedonicus

Nevus comedonicus (NC) was initially described by Kofmann in1895 and scripted as a “comedo nevus”. Nevus comedonicus  is cogitated as an exceptional subtype of epidermal nevus engendered from the hair follicle and a lesion predisposition for face and neck. Nevus comedonicus syndrome with constituent nevus comedonicus was initially coined by Engber in 1978. Delayed milestones and deferred neonatal development can ensue with nevus comedonicus or nevus comedonicus syndrome12.

Retraction Note: Assessment of the Risk of Hemochromatosis in Polytransfused Sickle Cell Patients at the Abidjan Transfusion Therapy Unit

RETRACTED: Monte Carlo Approach To Genotype By Environment Interaction Models

This article has been retracted on 10 February 2021. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-25-5847) Understanding the implication of Genotype-by-Environment (GXE) interaction structure is an important consideration in plant breeding programs. Traditional statistical analyses of yield trials provide little or no insight into the particular pattern or structure of the GXE interaction. In this study, efforts were made to solve these problems under different level of data occurrence. We employed the simulation process of Monte Carlo in generating since use of a real-life data may pose a serious difficulty. In this paper, we simulated for two data Types of Balance and Unbalance designs with different Levels of generations (3X3, 7X7, 10X10, and 3X7, 7X3, 7X10, 10X7 , , respectively). We therefore check the performance of GXE interaction on four different models (AMMI, FW, GGE and Mixed model), and also their stability and adaptability. The findings revealed that, when the assumption was maintained, AMMI outperformed Finlay-Wilkinson model, GGE Biplot model and Mixed model.

Retraction for Alireza Heidari et al., Recent New Results and Achievements of California South University (CSU) BioSpectroscopy Core Research Laboratory for COVID-19 or 2019-nCoV Treatment: Diagnosis and Treatment Methodologies of “Coronavirus”

Retraction Note: Monte Carlo Approach To Genotype By Environment Interaction Models

Retraction Note: Amino Acid Imbalance in Atherosclerosis

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Biofertilizers Sources in the Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Plant show Interactions with Cultivars on Yield and Litter-bags Spectral Features

Four strains of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) biofertilizer fungi, combined with two potato cultivars, were in-field tested in a four-replicate arrangement in a factorial experiment. As far as general combinability is concerned, cv. Agria was more responsive to different inocula (yield +5.56%, P 0.02) and to  two strains in particular (+8%). On the other hand, the results with Innovator, a cultivar that yields 33% less than Agria, showed a significant reduction in the number of tubers for three AM strains, thus proving a clear genetic Biofertilizer * Cultivar interaction. The study of hay litter-bags has shown a high NIR spectral fingerprint for the Cultivar factor (81%), while the Inoculation factor showed a higher spectral fingerprint in Agria (76%) than in Innovator (65%). The Substrate Induced Respiration predicted from the NIR-SCiO spectra of the litter-bags was significantly increased after inoculation (+6.3%, P 0.04), but appeared lower for Agria (-5.4%) vs. Innovator (P 0.05), with a non-significant interaction. The obtained results show that the adaptation of the AM strains to the genetics of potato cultivars  is a first step toward reducing chemical inputs, with consequent benefits for the environment, but without an excessive reduction in yield. The litter-bag technique can therefore be recommended for a simplified monitoring of the complicated plant-mycorrhizosphere relationship. 

Investigation of Edge-Selectively Nitrogen-Doped Metal Free Graphene for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

In order to distinguish the roles of four types of nitrogen species in oxygen reduction reaction, the ketoamine condensation reactions between the ketone group of graphene oxide and amidogen of aniline and o-phenylenediamine were employed to generate –C=N- bond at the edge of graphene nanoplatelets, and then nitrogen-doped graphene nanoplatelets with pyrrolic N, pyridinic N and pyridinic N+-O- rather than graphitic nitrogen were obtained by post thermal treatments. The resulting catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements. It is found that edge-selectively nitrogen-doped graphene nanopaltelets with nitrogen content of up to 4.28 atom% have been prepared. Nitrogen doping helps to improve activity of oxygen reduction reaction slightly, suggesting nitrogen doping at the edge of graphene does not contribute a lot to the enhancement of activity.

Evaluation of Job Satisfaction and Job Related Stress Among Community Pharmacists in North Khartoum and its Impact on Providing Pharmaceutical Care Services

Introduction Pharmacists and pharmaceutical care services are among the most important tools in providing health services to the society. Pharmacists as the key players in presenting health services, critically impact on the health of the society and if they suffer low job satisfaction, their dissatisfaction may relatively threaten health in the society. This study was conducted to determine Sudanese community pharmacists’ job satisfaction and additionally, some causes of dissatisfaction among community pharmacists and their impact on providing pharmaceutical care services have been evaluated. Method The questionnaire was designed after reviewing relevant Literature in addition, The Job Satisfaction survey was used to measure the level of community pharmacists’ satisfaction with their current jobs, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was used to evaluate emotional experience and awareness. Results and Discussion Generally low scores of job satisfaction were concluded among pharmacists while most of them were highly satisfied with being pharmacist. Conclusion Low levels of job satisfaction which were found among Sudanese community pharmacists could be considered as a deficiency of health system in Sudan. Fortunately, inherent interest in the pharmacy profession found among Sudanese pharmacists is an optimistic point at which policy-makers could develop their modifying policies. Health policy-makers must endeavor to take other steps to issue solutions for this current problem. 

Interaction Between Ator and Fennel in the Treatment of Obesity in Rats

Obesity can be defined as a condition of abnormal or excess fat accumulation in adipose tissue, to the extent that health may be impaired. Fennel is one of the oldest spice plants which widely grows in arid and semi-arid and due to its economic importance and pharmaceutical industry usage. This plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is effective in gastrointestinal disorder treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical characteristics and therapeutic properties of this medicinal plant. The current study demonstrates that the alteration induced by high fat diet causing changes in blood parameters. These changes are exhibited through a decrease in RBCs, Ht, Hb and platelet and these changes could be due to oxidative stress, which lead to lipid peroxidation in RBCs membranes, auto oxidation of hemoglobin. As regards the total WBCs, lymphocytes and monocytes showed marked decrease. While a distinct increase in the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophil. The present, demonstrates that rats treated with (fennel), (ator) and (fennel with ator) exposure provided significant protection to the altered hematological variables. The effect of the treatment with fennel and ator more effect than fennel only and ator only. The finding of this study indicates that the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in liver homogenates of the fennel and ator group significant decrease than group (3) and group (4) and the obese group. There is a growing awareness that obesity is a prime risk factor for the development of dyslipidemia profile and that oxidative stress may play a role in various adverse effects of obesity.

Non-Enzymatic Methylglyoxal Formation From glucose Metabolites and Generation of Superoxide Anion Radical During Methylglyoxal-Dependent Cross-Links Reaction

The paper explores the formation of a-oxoaldehydes during the interaction of glucose metabolites with hydroxyl or alkoxyl radicals. Hydroxyl radicals were generated under radiolysis of aqueous solutions, and alkoxyl radicals (t-BuO) were obtained in the model system tert-butyl hydroperoxide/Fe2+. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that methylglyoxal was one of the organic products resulting from t-BuO-induced transformations of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate under hypoxic conditions. The interaction of lysine and methylglyoxal one of the main targets of a-oxoaldehydes in proteins was also studied. As chemiluminescence and EPR spectroscopy demonstrated, this reaction generates a methylglyoxal anion radical, a cation-radical of methylglyoxal dialkylamine and a superoxide anion radical. EPR signal of methylglyoxal-derived free radicals was observed in hypoxia, whereas only the trace amounts of these free radicals were recorded in the aerated reaction medium.

Using a Medication Plan as a Quality Indicator: Feasibility and Satisfaction Results from an Observational Study

Background Medication adherence remains a challenge for patient management. Changes in the drug regimen after a hospital stay can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. We implemented a structured patient-centered interview during which a computer-generated individualized medication plan was discussed and provided to patients at discharge. Objective To explore whether a medication plan can be a quality indicator, in terms of its content (quality) and its implementation in the resident’s workflow (feasibility). Methods An observational mixed method study with interviews of 174 patients from general internal medicine wards at 1 week and 1 month after discharge, and of 91 physicians at baseline. We report the quality of the medication plan in terms of content and state of completion. We describe feasibility for residents to complete this plan, as well as patient and resident satisfaction with the plan. Results 83% of participants received a medication plan. Physicians verified renal function (83%) to adapt doses but did not regularly assess for medication interactions (43%). Incomplete plans (61%), were due to blanks when physicians considered the information irrelevant for their patients. Error rate was <3%. Patients reported low use of their plan after discharge (64% found it useful after 1 week, whereas only 37% used it when taking their medication 1 week after discharge). Conclusion Although the plans were considered useful by both patients and physicians, their implementation could have been optimized by considering the overall process (creation to patient use). Mobile apps could help fill gaps in supporting patients for medication adherence.

Affiliate Stigma and Compassion Satisfaction Amongst Mental Health Service Providers at A Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Nigeria

Objective Just like their patients, mental health service providers also face stigma. Internalisation of these negative stereotypes could lead to the development of affiliate stigma, reduce their compassion satisfactionand reduce their effectiveness in delivering quality health care to their patients. This study investigated the relationships between affiliate stigma and compassion satisfaction in frontline mental health service providers in a mental health facility in Nigeria. Method This was a cross-sectional study which recruited 183 mental health service providers working in a mental health facility in Nigeria, and who completed questionnaires on affiliate stigma and compassion satisfaction. Results Affiliate stigma among mental health service providers in this study was relatively high (41.5%), and psychiatrists were significantly more likely A to report higher levels of affiliate stigma compared to the psychiatric nurses (p=0.03, OR=0.38,95% CI=0.15 – 0.94). Psychiatrists and Psychiatric nurses who worked for longer hours (> 42 hours per week) reported significantly lower Affiliate stigma (t=2.148, df=28, p=0.04; t=2.118, df=135, p=0.04 respectively). Psychiatrists with high levels of affiliate stigma were more likely to have lower compassion satisfaction, but this was not true of Psychiatric nurses. Mental health service providers who endorse the psychosocial aetiology of mental illness, are significantly more likely to report having experienced high affiliate stigma (F=3.980, df=2, p=0.03). Conclusion The levels of affiliate stigma among mental health service providers in this study was relatively high, particularly among the professional group of psychiatrists. There is an urgent need to address internalization of negative stereotypes among mental health service providers in order to prevent experiences of discrimination among their patients.

Contextual Action Theory in Nursing

After pointing out the wide scope of issues in nursing and summarizing some of the attempts in nursing to deal with this problem of wide scope we propose a conceptual consideration to address this issue anew. We suggest that the contextual action theory is well equipped to provide an economical and concise way of integrating various approaches and disciplines as well as different tasks a nursing conceptualization has to address, particularly in dealing with the issue of practice. We describe what action is, how it could be seen as a system and how it could be useful in nursing practice. Specifically, we detail the application of the contextual action theory in devising nursing procedures, in providing theories and research methods in nursing research and in evaluation processes in nursing. In addressing some limitations of the suggested approach, we stress that it is not a theory of everything and that it does not deliver ready-made instruments for obtaining quantitative data.

Influence of Chemical Reaction on Marangoni Convective Flow of Nanoliquid in the Presence of Lorentz Forces and Thermal Radiation: A Numerical Investigation

This study aims to numerically investigate the Marangoni convective flow of nanoliquid initiated by surface tension and heading towards a radiative Riga surface. The surface tension appears in the problem due to the gradients of temperature and concentration at the interface. The influence of first order chemical reaction is involved in the system with sufficient boundary conditions. Set of governing nonlinear PDEs is transformed into highly nonlinear ODEs using suitable transformations. HAM is applied for convergent series solutions. Impact of various pertinent fluid parameters on momentum, thermal and solutal boundary layers is analyzed graphically. The chemical reaction plays vital role in saturation of nanoparticles in the base fluid near the surface as well as away from it. The Lorentz forces originated by the Riga surface become powerful when the radiation parameter comes into effect. The significance of Riga plate is thus more prominent through thermal radiation. However, the magnetic effect dampens down for higher radiation parameter. Fluid parameters, Nusslt and Sherwood numbers are analyzed with detailed discussion and concluding remarks.

Retraction: Efficacy of BCG Vaccine and Role of Non Specific Sensitivity Due to Atypical Mycobacteria

Should All Living Kidney Donors Receive Donor Health Insurance? - Ethical Guidance for Evaluating Policies and Actions that Provide Financial Benefits to Living Organ Donors

This review article provides ethical guidance for determining which kinds of financial benefits provided to living organ donors are ethically appropriate. It does so by way of ethical analysis of a policy case study: the National Kidney Registry (NKR) has implemented a donor insurance program to all its living donors. Is such a policy ethically supportable, or is it an unethical practice? The article proceeds as follows. First, a framework for grounding the ethical commitments of transplant programs is defended. It is argued that this framework can be accepted by all who work in transplant medicine, regardless of differences in ethical theory preference or background. Second, from this framework two ethical principles are formulated. (1) Living donors should, as far as possible, not be worse off for donating. (2) Disincentives towards donation should be removed as much as possible. Third, issues with unethical incentives are explored: undue inducement, commodification of the body, potential decreased organ donation rates, and potential exploitation of vulnerable populations. Lastly, these ethical considerations are applied to the policy change at the NKR, showing that the NKR policy change appears to be ethically supportable. Financial benefits provided to donors are ethically sound if they are in keeping with principles (1) and (2), and do not cause undue inducement, commodification, decreased organ donation, or exploitation. It is ethically appropriate for transplant programs to institute as well as study such programs with the goal of serving the welfare and interests of patients, donors, and the general public.

The Use of Photos from Patch Test Reactions on Day 7 in Professional Ice Hockey Players in Sweden

Background A survey was undertaken in all ice hockey players in 26 professional teams in Sweden representing the 2 highest divisions. All players answered a questionnaire and the players from 6 teams, 3 from each one of the 2 divisions, were patch tested with 72 test preparations in a baseline series supplemented with a series representing the work environment of the players. For practical reasons, the patch testing and test reading on day 3 (D3) took place in the arenas of the teams. As a traditional dermatologist reading on D7 was impossible to perform in all but one team, the players and coaches were asked to use their mobile phones to take photos of the tested backs of the players on D7 and send to the investigative team. In one team a dermatologist reading took place on D7 independent of the mobile photos. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate if photos from mobile phones taken on D7 by the subjects themselves or someone helping them could add positive reactions to those noted from traditional test readings on D3. Materials and Methods 107 players in the 6 teams were patch tested and reading on D3 was performed in 103 of them. Mobile photos of the backs of 100 players were taken on D7. Results 5 photos obtained from the 100 players available for the second test reading on D7 had too bad quality to allow evaluation. Thus, photos of 95/103 (92.2%) players with a live dermatologist reading on D3 were evaluated. Besides 50 contact allergic reactions noted in 26 players on D3, 7 (14%) more positive reactions were registered in 5 players, in 2 without any reactions on D3. The 7 additional reactions were noted to 7 different sensitizers - oxidized linalool, mercapto mix, mercaptobenzothiazole, PFR-2 (resol resin based on phenol and formaldehyde), paraben mix, imidazolidinyl urea, and methylenedianiline. Conclusion 14% more contact allergic reactions were diagnosed when using photos of the tested backs of the players replacing the traditional dermatologist reading on D7.

Action Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets of Renal Fibrosis

Renal fibrosis was a chronic and progressive process affecting kidneys in chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of cause. Although no effective targeted therapy yet existed to retard renal fibrosis, a number of important recent advances have highlighted the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the renal fibrosis. The advances including TGF-β/Smad pathway, oxidative stress and inflammation, hypoxia and gut microbiota-derived from uremic solutes were highlighted that could provide therapeutic targets. New therapeutic targets and strategies that are particularly promising for development of new treatments for patients with CKD were also highlighted.

Physiology of Distinct Modes of Muscular Contraction

Physiological changes in musculature allow widespread movements in human body. Correspondingly, varying in muscle prototypes characterise direct different training paradigms in therapeutics practice or can governs athletic performances. Mode of muscle contraction type are isometric, concentric or eccentric. Great examples of concentric exercise are walking- up-hill, stair ascent and lifting a dumbbell in bicep curl or pushing a bar up. Examples of eccentric muscle actions are walking - down-hill, satire decent and, isokinetic arm and leg extensions. During isometric muscle contraction the length of muscle does not change while muscle exert force .This type of movement can be seen while a person performs a maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs).Eccentric exercises increasing the concentric and isometric contraction as well. Performing the eccentric muscle contraction in daily life enhance quality of life and lifespan due to increasing muscle strength with low cost of energy consuming and thus it can apply in variety of domains. A simple walking task such as downhill - walking (i.e. 30 min) can provide the aforementioned conditions.

Effect of Night-Clinic Closure on Physicians’ Workload and Satisfaction

Excessive overtime work, which is a serious problem among Chinese physicians, is the primary reason for night clinic closure policies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of such policies on physicians’ workload and satisfaction. Physicians at the hospital, which closed its night clinic in 2017, were selected as the intervention group, and those at another hospital, which still operates a night clinic, were chosen as the control group. In total, 829 participating physicians self-reported their characteristics and responded to questions on three effect indicators: weekly hours worked, work–family balance, and job satisfaction; the index years were for 2016 and 2017. A pre–post-with-control-group study design and the difference-in-difference (DID) methodology were employed to evaluate the effect of night clinic closure. After adjusting for physicians’ characteristics, the effect of all variables, except hours worked per week, on work–family balance and job satisfaction remained significant. Although the adjusted effect on hours worked per week was not significant, our results suggest that minor policy changes that reduce the workload of physicians may nonetheless benefit this group. However, as the satisfaction scores remained low, other policies should be implemented to relieve the workload and improve satisfaction among physicians.

Lipid Components in the Dynamin Fraction Prepared from Rat Brain

Membrane dynamics in the presynaptic region of the neuron is a key process of neuronal signal transduction. Dynamin plays a central part during endocytosis participating in the deformation of membrane structure and constriction. During the study of molecular interaction of presynaptic proteins, we found that dynamin fraction prepared from brain extract contains several lipid components. Fractionation of lipids with thin layer chromatography and mass-analysis showed the presence of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, cerebroside, cholesterol and its-derivatives, and triacylglycerol. Since the GTPase activity of bacterially expressed dynamin was activated by the extracted lipid fraction, lipid components that affect the GTPase activity of dynamin was screened and cerebroside, hydroxycholesterols, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol were found to activate the GTPase activity. This result not only suggests the possibility that several neutral lipids participate in the membrane dynamics, but also revealed the possibility that a protein fraction contains lipid components even if its purity was confirmed with SDS-PAGE.

General Evolution of the Universe Driven by Attraction and Four Levels of Biological Evolution as its Essential Part

A strict definition of the hierarchy of material systems is formulated. Based on this definition, the main hierarchical structure of the Universe was divided to 15 levels belonging to 2 branches. Process of the Universe evolution (megaevolution) is considered as hierarchogenesis, i.e., a process of new hierarchy levels formation. The main driver of the hierachogenesis is an attraction that takes different forms for different steps of the megaevolution. Duration and time of each this step on the Universe timeline were estimated using the data of the other investigators. Biological evolution is considered as essential part of the general megaevolution where symbiosis plays role of the hierarchogenetic attraction. Semantic consideration of the hierarchogenesis allowed to build a mathematical model of its dynamics. It appeared that this model describes general megaevolution of the Universe well enough to estimate time of macromolecules appearance, that is still unknown, and to predict when the next hierarchogenetic step will take a place.  

Reaction Norm of Embryo Growth Rate Dependent on Incubation Temperature in The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Lepidochelys Olivacea, from Pacific Central America

Olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea) and loggerheads (Caretta caretta) are two closely phylogenetically related sea turtles that nest in very different thermal habitat. Olive ridleys nest in pan-tropical beaches whereas loggerheads nest in more temperate beaches. In the context of climate change, the temperature in temperate beaches will increase much more than for tropical beach due to buffering effect of air humidity in the later. We have determined the thermal reaction norm for embryonic growth in both species using field records of incubation temperatures and incubation length from loggerheads in Western Mediterranean Sea or olive ridleys from Pacific coast of Guatemala. We show that the optimum temperature for the growth of embryos is lower for loggerheads than for olive ridleys. This makes loggerhead turtles particularly sensitive to increase of beach temperature as it is expected due to effect of global warming in temperature regions. Furthermore, olive ridleys are more resilient to increase of temperatures and should not suffer from sublethal incubation temperatures.

Identification and Expression Analysis of Fragaria Vesca MLO Genes Involved in Interaction with Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera Aphanis)

Strawberry powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaeraaphanis is a major fungal disease that affects strawberry yield and quality. In the model plant species Arabidopsis and the crop plants barley, tomato and pea, the Mildew resistance locus O (MLO) proteins have been found to be required for powdery mildew susceptibility. The present study, based on the sequence of a wild plum (Prunus americana) MLO protein, identified 16 MLO genes within the genome of woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca and examined their expression pattern in response to powdery mildew infection in three diploid strawberry cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the FvMLO genes can be classified into six clades. Four FvMLO genes were grouped into clade III, which comprises MLO genes from Arabidopsis, tomato and grapevine that mediate powdery mildew susceptibility. A RNA-seq analysis of two diploid strawberry cultivars, F. vescassp. vesca accession Hawaii 4 (HW) and F. vesca f. semperflorens line “Yellow Wonder 5AF7” (YW) at 1 d (1 DAI) and 8 d (8 DAI) after infection showed the expression of 12 out of the 16 FvMLO genes. The comparison of Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads (FPKM values) detected by RNA-seq and expression values of qRT-PCR for FvMLO genes showed substantial agreement. The FvMLO3 gene, which was grouped in clade III and orthologous to the Arabidopsis,tomato and grapevine genes, was highly expressed in YW compared to other FvMLO genes across varieties. The results showed that FvMLO genes can be used as potential candidates to engineer powdery mildew resistance in strawberry based on MLO suppression or genome editing.

A Model for Identifying Actionable Findings on Computed Tomography in Crohn’s Disease Patients in the Emergency Department

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently visit the emergency department (ED). The use of cputed tomography (CT) scans in this population has drastically increased in recent years and may confer an increased risk of malignancy. Records were obtained for IBD patients aged 18 or older who visited our institutional ED with a gastrointestinal chief complaint and who had a CT scan ordered by an ED physician. A predictive model for identifying a clinically actionable finding (CAF) on CT scan was created using logistic regression carried out on a predetermined set of variables. Data were available on 156 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients contributing 350 visits and 63 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients contributing 114 total visits. CAF was identified at 108/350 (30.9%) of visits in CD patients and 33/114 (29.0%) of visits in UC patients. History of CAF (OR 11.6, CI 4.54-29.6) and a platelet count above 400,000/mL (OR 3.42, CI 1.56-7.50) were the strongest predictors of CAF. History of psychiatric illness (OR 0.67, CI 0.35-1.29) and diarrhea (OR .043, CI 0.23-0.83) were associated with a lower likelihood of CAF. A prediction model was created that was able to detect 94.4% of CAF cases while correctly predicting CAF non-cases 35% of the time. This model holds promise as a tool to reduce imaging in this population.

Relationship between Trauma-Related Psychotic Reactions and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms: The Mediating Role of Alcohol Use

This study examined the mediating role of alcohol use in the relationship between PTSD symptoms and trauma-related psychotic reactions. A total of 231 participants including 181 females were recruited via web advertisement and flyers. Alcohol use condition, trauma-related psychotic experience, and PTSD symptoms were measured by Feeling the need to Cut down, Annoyed by criticism, Guilty about drinking, and need for an Eye-opener in the morning (CAGE), Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSU) and Short screening scale for posttraumatic stress disorder (SSSP). All the participants were asked to finish the questionnaire package on the Internet and were interviewed later to validate the screening. Logistic regression was used to estimate the mediating effect of alcohol use. Results showed that alcohol use played a mediating role between PTSD symptoms and auditory hallucination while this effect didn’t exist between PTSD symptoms and paranoia. Findings indicated that hallucination and paranoia in people with PTSD symptoms were influenced by alcohol use in diverse ways.

Pharmaceutical intervention on Ca2+/cAMP signaling interaction: benefits for combating neurodegeneration and diseases related to aging

This review explores crosstalk between Ca2+ and cAMP signaling and its therapeutic implications for neurodegeneration and aging. It summarizes candidate interventions and translational challenges.

The Influence of Race, Age, and Pupil Size on the Measurement of a Photorefraction Device

Photorefraction (PR) methods have beenwidely used for pediatric vision screening since the 1980’s. While PR is easy to implement, the accuracy of refractive error measurements in humans has been unsatisfactory, largely due to the variations of intraocular scattering, the retinal reflectance, and pupil size. The objective of our studies was to clinically evaluate the accuracy of refraction measurements of an improved PR-based device, the Dynamic Ocular Evaluation System (DOES), and to investigate whether the accuracy is affected by the patient’s age, race, and pupil size, which are relevant to individual intraocular scattering and retinal reflectance. We performed DOES measurements in 99 volunteers (198 eyes) under two environmental light conditions and using four fixation targets. These results were compared to the standard clinical refraction testing performed the same day. The correlation and standard deviation were determined by Bland-Altman analysis. The influence of intraocular scattering, retinal reflectance, and pupil size was evaluated by comparing results from different age groups, races, and lighting conditions. In the region between -4 diopter (D) and +4D, the device showed a binocular refraction measurement accuracy of 0.45 D, 0.3 D, and 0.18 D root-mean-square (RMS) error (n=1337) for spherical equivalent and cross cylinders Jo and J45, respectively. Inaccuracy increased at high refraction (>4D). Age, race, and pupil size did not appear to significantly affect DOES PR measurement. This suggests that enhancements in the PR system and analysis may satisfactorily correct intersubject variability that currently limits the clinical use of PR devices and measurements.

Influences of Australian nursing students’ anxiety, depression, personality and family interaction on their psychological well-being and suicidal ideation

Objective: To examine the relationships between Australian nursing students’ anxiety, depression, personality and family interaction with psychological well-being and suicidal ideation. Participants: A sample of 201 nursing students completed a series of structured questionnaires in an Australian University. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. After explanation of this study, 201 nursing students voluntarily participated. Six reliable and structured questionnaires were used to do data collection. SPSS was used for data analysis including descriptive data, Pearson Correlation, and Stepwise Multiple Regression. Results: Anxiety and depression were positively associated with suicidal ideation and had negative relationships with psychological well-being. Positive personality and family interaction were positively associated with psychological well-being and negatively with suicidal ideation. Parents’ harsh discipline had a negative relationship with the nursing students’ psychological well-being. Conclusions: Depression, personality, and positive family interaction were significant predictors of Australian nursing students’ psychological well-being. Anxiety, depression, and harsh discipline were significant predictors of suicidal ideation

Anatomical Risk Factors Associated with Immediate Extraction Placement in the Posterior Maxilla: A Human Retrospective Cone-Beam Study

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the spatial relationship between the sinus floor and the alveolar bone of maxillary premolars and molars in order to assess the amount of basal bone available for immediate extraction placement of endosseous implants. Materials and Methods: All the cone-beam computerized tomographic (CBCT) scans taken over a three-year period at four centers were identified. The subsinus bone height (SBH) was evaluated by measuring the distance between the sinus floor and the first and second premolar root apexes. The interradicular septum bone height (ISBH) of all the first and second molars was also measured, and the presence or absence of sinus-floor invagination between the molar roots was recorded. Results: Five hundred twenty-six (526) CBCT scans of fully or partially dentate maxillary arches were examined. The root apex was inside the sinus of 1.8% of all the first premolars. It approximated the sinus floor of 5.3% of them, and the distance between the two points was between 1 and 3mm of 20%, between 3 and 7mm for 34.1%, and more than 7mm for 34.1%. For the second premolars, the findings were 13.5% (inside the sinus), 10.5% (touching the sinus), 32.8% (1-3mm of distance) 28% (3-7 mm), and 15.2% (more than 7mm). Root invagination was noted in 50.2% of the first molars and 43.1% of the second molars, with the ISBHs ranging from 13.4% to 56.9%. Conclusion: Radiological evaluation is essential to determining whether implants should be placed immediately after extraction of maxillary premolars and molars.

Retraction Note: Fibrous Dysplasia of the Thyroid Cartilage – A Case Study and Review of the Literature

Isotretinoin-Induced Facial Hyperpigmentation: Idiosyncratic Reaction?

Isotretinoin is notorious for having a myriad of mucocutaneous side effects including cheilitis, xerodermia, facial erythema, pruritis, hair thinning, and brittle nails, among others. Although photosensitivity is considered to be one of the side effects of oral isotretinoin therapy, cutaneous hyperpigmentation has not, to the best of our knowledge, yet been reported as a side effect. This report presents a case of striking facial hyperpigmentation in a patient on oral isotretinoin.

Retraction Note: In-Stent Thrombosis in the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA): A Case Report

The Combination of Fractionated Erbium:YAG Laser Skin Microporation and Topical Imiquimod Is A New, Safe And Efficient Strategy for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis and Basal Cell Carcinoma: Report of Two Pilot Studies

Two pilot studies evaluate fractional Er:YAG laser microporation to enhance topical imiquimod delivery for actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma. The approach seeks to increase epidermal penetration while limiting systemic exposure. Early results suggest acceptable tolerability and lesion response, supporting larger controlled trials.

Understanding Ubl-Rpn1 Intermolecular Interaction

ALS is the neurodegenerative disease which is caused due to breakdown in interaction between UBL and rpn1. In this study, we explore the interaction of UBL and rpn1 which is involved in protein degradation. Protein recycling system plays a crucial role in degradation of deformed or damaged proteins. Task of degradation of damaged ubiquitinated proteins is completed by proteasome with the help of ubiquilin2 protein which links 19s proteasome and poly-Ub chain attached to damaged protein. More specifically, N-terminal UBL domain interacts with rpn1 subunit of base complex of 19s proteasome and C-terminal UBA domain interacts with tetra poly-Ub chain attached to damaged protein. In present study, UBL domains are docked against homology modeled rpn1 with the help of Patch dock server. Further the docked structures are refined using fire dock server and best docked structure is chosen having global energy -16.71. Best docked structures are analyzed using swiss-pdb viewer software to show hydrogen bonds between interacting proteins. Here we explore a mutation E6A and P11A in UBL structure with the help of YASARA which is significantly increasing the interaction between interacting proteins in terms of hydrogen bonds.

Sotos Syndrome, Isolated Left Ventricular Non Compaction Cardiomyopathy and Ventricular Pre Excitation: A Case Report.

We report the case of a 22 year-old-male patient affected by Sotos syndrome was preoperatively and urgently evaluated for tracheal stent implantation due to respiratory insufficiency caused by idiopathic tracheal stenosis. Rest electrocardiogram detected a ventricular pre excitation; a transthoracic echocardiography showed a classic pattern fulfilling criteria for isolated left ventricular non compaction. At the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a patient suffering from Sotos syndrome and simultaneously affected by isolated left ventricular non compaction and ventricular pre excitation.

Pattern of Use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Regimens and Pattern of Occurrence of Adverse Drug Reactions in an Indian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients

Background: In India, Human immunodeficiency (HIV) infected patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are at higher risk of developing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of use of HAART, occurrence, incidence, severity and causality of ADRs to HAART in Indian HIV positive patients. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted between August 2009 and May 2012. Enrolled HIV positive patients were intensively monitored for ADRs with fixed dose antiretroviral therapy as per National AIDS Control organization (NACO).World Health Organization (WHO) definition of ADR was adopted to detect ADRs to HAART and classified based on WHO adverse reaction terminologies. Naranjo’s scale was used for causality assessment of ADRs. Preventability was assessed using Thornton and Schuman criteria and severity was assessed using the modified Hart wig and Siegel scale. Pattern of ADRs was assessed with patient demographics, ADRs characteristics, and pattern of drug and reaction characteristics. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 426 ADRs to HAART were evaluated from 1982 HIV positive patients during the study period. The overall incidence of ADRs to HAART was 21.4%. Significant difference was seen in the incidence of ADRs in the age group of 41-60 years (p <0.001), CD4+T-cell counts of 350-500 cells/µl (p <0.001), females (p <0.001). Three fatal ADRs of with cutaneous drug eruptions of Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) was 1.1%. Anemia (31.7%) accounted for majority of the reports followed by vomiting (15.5%), skin rash (12.9%) and peripheral neuropathy (10.7%). The suspected drug was withdrawn for the management of the ADRs in majority (27.9%) of the reports. Higher incidence rate of ADRs was noted with lamivudine (3TC) + nevirapine (NVP) + stavudine (D4T) (22.9%). In, naranjo's causality assessment, majority of the ADR reports were rated as possible (69%). Symptomatic treatment for ADRs was given in 91.8% of the reports and 86.4% of the reports the patient recovered from the suspected adverse reaction at the time of evaluation. Conclusion: In India, occurrence of ADRs to HAART in HIV infected patients was found to be higher with zidovudine induced anemia (31.7%). The higher percentage of ADRs to HAART was seen with female patients, age 41-60 years; CD4+ T-cell counts 350-500 cells/µl. Physician must focus for monitoring all lab investigations for early detection and prevention of adverse effects associated with HAART.

Evaluation of Direct Cost of Adverse Drug Reactions to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Indian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Patients

In India, interruptions to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and no reports on the direct cost incurred in the management of ADRs to HAART are available. There is a need to study direct cost incurred with ADRs to HAART to explore the high economic cost burden imposed by ADRs to HAART in HIV/AIDS patients. This study was aimed to evaluate the direct cost incurred in the management of ADRs to HAART in Indian HIV positive patients. This prospective study was conducted at a Medicine department in a South Indian tertiary care teaching hospitals were ADRs reporting system exist. HIV-positive hospitalized in-patients were identified and intensively monitored for ADRs to HAART. The World Health Organization (WHO) probability scale was used for causality assessment of ADRs. Modified Hart wig and Siegel scale was used for severity assessment of ADRs.Pearson chi-square test identified association of mean direct cost between ADRs and without ADRs by investigating total mean direct cost. The overall direct cost per ADRs to HAART was found to be higher in the context of expenditure on health care cost in India.

From Pelvis to Foot: A Functional Approach to Preventing Ankle Sprains in Athletes

Background Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sports, often characterized by high recurrence rates despite appropriate local treatment. Traditional approaches primarily focus on the injured joint, with limited attention to proximal biomechanical factors that may predispose athletes to injury. Objective To propose a functional, longitudinal kinetic chain model in which sacroiliac joint dysfunction may act as a predisposing factor for ankle sprain/strain injuries in athletes. Methods This paper presents a clinical hypothesis based on biomechanical reasoning and observational findings. The proposed model describes how sacroiliac joint dysfunction, particularly posterior innominate rotation (PI), may lead to pelvic obliquity and functional leg length discrepancy. These changes may induce compensatory femoral external rotation and foot toe-out, altering ground contact mechanics during gait and running. Results (Hypothesis) The altered alignment and loading pattern may increase the vertical impact force and modify the ground reaction vector on the functionally shorter limb, resulting in reduced mechanical stability at the ankle during heel strike or foot contact. Over time, this may increase susceptibility to inversion or eversion injuries, manifesting clinically as recurrent sprain/strain. Conclusion Ankle sprains in athletes may, in some cases, represent the distal expression of a proximal biomechanical imbalance. Incorporating assessment of the sacroiliac joint and the longitudinal kinetic chain into routine clinical evaluation may improve injury risk identification and contribute to more effective prevention strategies. Further research is needed to investigate this proposed relationship.

Efficacy and Safety of Pulsed Magnetic Therapy in Sleep related Disorders: A Remote, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background/Aim Sleep disturbances are common and are associated with impaired daytime functioning, reduced quality of life, and increased health risks. Non-pharmacological neuromodulatory interventions have gained interest as alternatives to hypnotic medication. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been proposed as a non-invasive approach to improve sleep quality and recovery, but evidence from large, well-controlled trials remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMT) on sleep quality, sleep-related symptoms, daytime functioning, and well-being in adults with heterogeneous sleep complaints.  Materials and Methods In this remote, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 217 adults reporting non-restorative sleep, difficulties initiating sleep, or frequent nocturnal awakenings were assigned to active PMT using a PEMF device (Night Harmony Female/Male protocol) or a sham application for three weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score and self-rated sleep satisfaction, restfulness, and sleep initiation difficulties. Secondary outcomes included sleep diary measures, daytime functioning, well-being (WHO-5), symptom burden (MYMOP), and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle using ANCOVA with baseline values of the respective parameter as covariate.  Results Both groups showed significant improvements over time in global sleep quality and most secondary outcomes (p < 0.001). Between-group differences in PSQI global score were not significant (p = 0.314). However, active PMT resulted in significantly greater improvements in subjective sleep satisfaction (p = 0.02) and restfulness (p = 0.02), particularly among participants with moderate to severe baseline sleep disturbances (p < 0.001 for both). Sleep continuity measures improved similarly in both groups. No serious adverse events were reported.  Conclusions PMT produced modest but significant improvements in subjective restorative aspects of sleep beyond placebo effects and was well tolerated. Further studies using objective sleep measures and longer follow-up are warranted.

Osteoarthritis Falls Origins, Risks, and Prevention: Do we Need an Ecological Guiding Explanatory Framework?

Lower limb osteoarthritis, a widespread age related chronic condition is often accompanied by an increased tendency to fall and thereby various degrees of intrinsic and extrinsic injury. Falls, in turn may provoke the disease alone and in turn a high falls risk and cycle of recurrent falls and heightened disability. This report which updates what is known about falls in the context of disabling osteoarthritis argues for a possible future ecological orientation rather than a focal uni dimensional approach to addressing this costly health problem. It examines osteoarthritis falls risk factors, falls injury prevention attempts, and recommendations to advance research and practice using an ecological analytic approach in this regard. Using the PUBMED data base and others, lower limb osteoarthritis linkages and falls interaction studies were sought and examined. The data revealed osteoarthritis can lead to the chances of incurring one or more falls and further health and disability challenges, while falling can provoke the onset of osteoarthritis in its own right. Although many factors appear to be involved, these are rarely viewed through a broad multi dimensional ecological perspective, thus are confusing or overwhelming to apply to the active community dwelling elderly subject.

The Dose Modulates the Body’s Physiology: Literature Review

The body interacts with endogenous and exogenous molecules through various receptor networks at the cellular and organismal levels by which the different physiological processes of the organ systems get activated. Life could no longer exist without the body’s interaction with these signaling molecules. The number of molecules interacted with a receptor type within the body determines the efficiency of biological processes that would determine the biochemistry and anatomy behind the basic body functions. The dose plays a complex role in multiple physiological processes by modulating the natural processes of the different biological systems. It is always connected to the physiological and anatomical aspects of the biological sciences in which it manifests the biological sensitivity that would determine the efficiency of biological responses of the body systems. There are always physiologic and non-physiologic doses for every compound administered into the biological systems. The does that facilitated the body to manifest that biological sensitivity which has maintained the physiological processes of the body systems was noted as physiologic dose, whereas the dose that has suppressed the biological sensitivity of the body that became inefficient in maintaining the physiological processes of the different biological systems was termed non-physiologic dose. It is important to adjust the dose or dosage based on physical and biological factors such as the efficiency of the different organ systems, body weight, and the timing of the dose triggering a biological response to maintain the natural processes of the body systems. This means that integrated biological data is required in order to be able to identify the physiologic and non physiologic doses for biological or pharmacological use.

Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence Among HIV-Discordant Couples in Kicukiro District, Rwanda

Background Domestic violence among HIV discordant couples poses significant public health challenges, affecting treatment adherence and HIV transmission risks. This study examined factors contributing to domestic violence among HIV discordant couples in Kicukiro District, Rwanda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 HIV discordant couples from eleven health centers using stratified systematic sampling. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Results Domestic violence prevalence was 41.1% physical violence, 34.2% sexual coercion, and 52.3% emotional abuse. Key socio-demographic risk factors included female gender (56% vs. 29% males, p<0.001), older age (61% in ≥55 years vs. 32% in 18-24 years, p=0.004), unemployment (55% vs. 34% formal employment, p=0.014), and financial hardship (63% vs. 25% comfortable situations, p=0.002). Behavioral factors included alcohol use (58% vs. 38%, p=0.021), substance abuse (62% vs. 35%, p<0.001), and poor conflict resolution (72% vs. 25%, p<0.001). Contextual factors like hostile HIV disclosure reactions (68% vs. 34%, p<0.001) and HIV-related stigma (60% vs. 35%, p<0.001) significantly increased violence risk. Conclusions Domestic violence among HIV discordant couples is multifactorial, driven by socio-economic, behavioral, and HIV-related factors. Integrated interventions addressing economic empowerment, conflict resolution skills, stigma reduction, and couple-centered counseling are urgently needed.

Exploring the Mechanism of Complex Lemon-Angelica Sinensis-Boswellia Essential Oil on Anxiety Disorders with Melasma Through Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

The incidence rate of melasma is notably high among patients with anxiety disorders. Aromatherapy primarily influences the physiological and psychological states of individuals through the inhalation or application of essential oils, thereby facilitating the treatment or alleviation of various conditions. This study aims to explore the action mechanism of complex lemon-angelica sinensis -boswellia essential oil (CEO) in treating anxiety disorders with melasma. We investigated the active ingredients, targets, and pathways of CEO in relation to anxiety and melasma using network pharmacology. We employed cell assays and conducted nebulized essential oil inhalation tests on CUMS mice to validate the intervention effects of CEO on anxiety. A total of 28 active components, including neryl acetate, 3-butenylphthalide and octyl acetate, and 26 cross-targets, such as ESR1, CCND1 and PIK3CA, were identified. GO and KEGG pathway analyses indicated that these cross-targets were primarily involved in endocrine regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, specifically through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and calcium signaling pathway. The experimental results demonstrated that CEO significantly reduced the secretion of NO, TNF-a and IL-6, as well as the mRNA expressions of ESR1, CCND1 and PIK3CA in cells compared to the inflammatory cell model. Furthermore, CEO notably decreased the forced swimming immobility time of mice and the levels of IL-1β, ESR1 and CCND1 in hippocampus when compared to model mice. These findings suggest that CEO may regulate ESR1, CCND1 and PIK3CA through its citral, 3-butylphthalate and neryl acetate, thereby influencing endocrine function, cell proliferation and apoptosis, inhibiting inflammation and anxiety-like behavior in CUMS-induced mice.

Efficacy of Neemraj and Beauvitech on Abundance and Distribution of Arthropod Pests in Soil and Hydroponically Grown Strawberry

Strawberry is a commercially important crop which has gained global significance in terms of production and consumption. The strawberry farmers have been faced with economic losses due to attack from arthropod and phytophagus pests. To overcome this challenge, management of pests is important with reduced impact on beneficial organisms and the environment. Use of non-chemical approaches as an alternative to insecticide driven management is highly gaining popularity. Identification of the non-chemical production for management of strawberry pest such as entomopathogenic fungi and botanicals is critical. The need for compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi in crop production techniques with other insecticides to enhance efficacy is required. The interaction between these control agents could be synergistic, additive or even antagonistic. Synergistic interactions usually lead to enhanced effectiveness of the microbial control agents while reducing the adverse effects of the pesticides in combination. In this review a description of the compatibility of entomopathogenic fungus Beauvaria bassiana and botanical neem in strawberry pest management is given. The experiment involved five treatments: Neemraj, Beauvitech, Neemraj and Beauvitech, Ampligo and control. These treatments were allocated in a completely Randomized design in two separate greenhouse setups one with soil and other with pumice. The treatments were replicated four times. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of the statistical analysis system (SAS) program, version 9.1. Tukey’s (HSD) test at P≤ 0.05 was used to separate significant means. The combination of Neemraj and Beauvitech was most effective in the management of pests in both hydroponics and soil grown media. Pest populations were reduced significantly as follows; thrips, Frankliniella spp 2.1, red spider mites Tetranychus species 11.5, tarnished plant bug Lygus species 3.0, there was 0% cricket Gryllus species damage and 0 number strawberry weevil in hydroponics cultures while in soil culture pest mean populations were: thrips 5.6, spider mites Tetranychus species 18.2, strawberry weevil (Otiorhynchus species) 7.0, tarnished plant bug 3.0 and there was 13.8% cricket Gryllus species damage on strawberry plants.

Perceived Physical Progress and Mental Improvement Among Midlife Women Practicing the 3D Movement Method: A Brief Report from a Cross-Sectional Survey

Background Mind–body exercises are frequently used to support well-being during the menopausal transition, but perceived physical and psychological outcomes associated with practices such as the 3D Movement Method have not been quantitatively assessed. Objective To examine associations between characteristics of the 3D Movement Method and women’s self-reported physical and mental improvement during the menopausal transition. Methods Cross-sectional survey data from 330 women aged ≥ 35 years were analyzed using general linear models. Perceived physical progress and mental improvement were each assessed using single-item, 15-point scales. Independent variables included practice frequency, duration of experience, explanation clarity, satisfaction, baseline health status (SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summary scores), age, and menopausal status. Results The model for physical progress was significant, F(16, 144) = 6.26, p < .001, R² = .41. Greater practice frequency, longer experience, clearer instructional explanations, and higher satisfaction were each independently associated with higher perceived physical progress. The mental improvement model was also significant, F(16, 96) = 2.25, p = .008, R² = .27, identifying satisfaction as the sole significant predictor. Baseline health, age, and menopausal status did not predict outcomes in either model. Conclusions Perceived physical progress was shaped by structured engagement parameters consistent with deliberate-practice principles, whereas perceived mental improvement was primarily linked to subjective satisfaction, a pattern compatible with motivational accounts of engagement. The 3D Movement Method may support women’s health across the menopausal transition when designed to optimize clarity, engagement, and experiential quality.

Efficacy and Safety of Lercanidipine Combination in Hypertensive Patients

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used for the treatment of arterial hypertension, but they differ in terms of pharmacology, tolerability, and pleiotropic actions. Lercanidipine, a highly lipophilic third generation dihydropyridine, reduces blood pressure (BP) effectively as monotherapy and in combination without inferiority to other major antihypertensive classes. We systematically searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library (last update: September 1, 2025) and screened reference lists for additional studies. Evidence from dose finding trials, randomized controlled studies, large observational cohorts, and meta analyses shows clinically meaningful reductions in office, home, and ambulatory BP with lercanidipine, including in patients with diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease, or high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Fixed- dose combinations with renin angiotensin system blockers (e.g., enalapril) provide greater BP reductions than monotherapy and are associated with favorable neurometabolic profiles. Beyond BP control, lercanidipine improves central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness, favors endothelial biology, and contributes to left ventricular hypertrophy regression. Across comparative trials, lercanidipine is generally better tolerated than older dihydropyridines. Presents lower rates of vasodilatory adverse events, less sympathetic activation, while discontinuations due to adverse events are uncommon. Overall, lercanidipine particularly within single pill combinations offers effective, durable BP lowering across diverse patient profiles with a favorable safety and tolerability profile and pleiotropic benefits that extend beyond BP reduction. Figure 1. Graphical Abstract: Pleiotropic effects of Lercanidipine

Persistent Neovascular Exudation in Patients with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration who have Choroid Imaging Biomarkers of Non-Neovascular Choroidal Pathology: Simultaneous Choroidal Hyperpermeability and Angiogenesis

Purpose Create a new diagnostic and therapeutic framework for patients with Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and choroid imaging biomarkers of non-neovascular choroidal pathology who have persistent neovascular exudation during the course of monotherapeutic interventions. Methods Retrospective, longitudinal case series study of 25 eyes from 23 patients with the referral diagnoses of treatment resistant Exudative ARMD who had persistent neovascular exudation despite various monotherapies. Inclusion criteria required choroidal imaging biomarkers of non-neovascular pathology including a thickened subfoveal choroid (greater than 300 microns) and vessels (subjectively dilated choroidal vessels in Haller’s layer) on Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT), choroidal neovascularization on IVFA and OCT Angiography (OCTA), as well choroidal leakage noted on indocynanine green videoangiography (ICG). Treatment consisted of OCTA and ICG - Directed Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Triple Therapy, hereafter described as Combination Therapy, to areas of choroidal hyperpermeability and choroidal neovascularization. Combination therapy consisted of an anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) intravitreal injection on Day 0 followed by half-fluence PDT and 2 mg intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide on Day 3-14. Results All study patients had treatment resistant Exudative ARMD defined as persistent subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid during their course of monotherapeutic interventions. Complete resolution of all exudation occurred in 23 eyes (92.0%) at 8 weeks. The mean duration of action was 155.6 weeks, with 72.0% of eyes leak free greater than 100 weeks. The mean vision at baseline was 0.46 ± 0.42 LogMAR, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). 8 weeks after treatment, the vision was 0.35 ± 0.38 LogMar, an improvement of over one line, and this was maintained at one year. The baseline central subfield thickness (CST) was 296.4 ± 136.1 microns and improved by 111.4 ± 105.4 microns at 8 weeks after treatment. Treatment duration was negatively associated with the Caucasian race. Conclusions Patients with subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid secondary to Exudative ARMD should have a complete baseline multimodality imaging study to confirm the presence of neovascularization and whether choroidal hyperpermeability coexists. This study shows that patients with Exudative ARMD and persistent neovascular exudation despite monotherapuetic interventions often have choroidal biomarkers of non-neovascular choroidal pathology and that ICG and OCTA-directed PDT Triple Therapy resulted in complete resolution of all exudation in 92.0% of patients at 8 weeks with a reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) of 111.4 microns. The vision improvement at 8 weeks was 0.11 ± 0.38 LogMar and was sustained over 1 year. The mean duration of action was 155.6 weeks, with 72.0% of eyes leak free greater than 100 weeks. Additionally, this study shows that the treatment that addresses both pathological processes is successful and should be considered as a primary protocol when the biomarkers are present at baseline or as a secondary protocol if indeed the neovascular leakage is persistent despite monotherapy. Summary Patients with an Exudative ARMD with persistent neovascular exudation despite anti-VEGF monotherapy and who have imaging biomarkers of non-neovascular choroidal pathology often have two pathophysiological processes: choroidal hyperpermeability and angiogenesis. A proposed framework provides the rationale for OCTA and ICG-directed PDT Triple Therapy which successfully resolves 92% of the leakage that was persistent after various monotherapeutics.

Systematic Review of Spinal Cord Injuries in Equestrian Athletes: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes

Objective The goal of this systematic review is to identify common themes amongst acute spinal cord injuries (SCI) in equestrian athletes. Design A systematic review was performed using PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, and Scopus with pre-determined MESH terms. The initial search returned 354 studies. Following PRISMA guidelines, 13 articles were included. Exclusion criteria included injuries to the horse only, non-English language, cauda equina, and case reports. Data extraction was completed, and common findings were evaluated narratively due to heterogeneity of data. Results Seven manuscripts listed specific horse-related activities that caused SCI, with fall from horse as the highest percentage of injury. Nine articles identified the injury region, with large variations and no clear dominant area of injury. Five articles identified the length of hospital stay with ranges from 1 to 82 days. Four articles looked at the association of professional vs non-professional riders. Only two articles evaluated helmet use at time of injury, with one article showing 81% of those with SCI used helmets, and the other showing only 35.6% utilized this safety measure. Conclusion SCI in equestrian athletes can have a wide presentation, with large variation on location of injury, length of stay, and other factors. However, non-professional riders are at greater risk of SCI and individuals are more likely to sustain injury from a fall from a horse rather than a kick or another modality of injury. Future study can elicit presenting symptoms, types of surgical intervention used, and long-term outcomes and recovery.

The Human Soul as a Manifestation of Quantum-Like Fields

It is proposed that the human soul is a manifestation of a soul field consisting of a collection of quantum-like fields. The soul field interacts with the electromagnetic field, manifested by photons interacting with the quanta of the soul field. Evidence for this comes from near-death experiences where reported events that could not have been seen through the eyes of the individual are verified. Since bioelectric fields are a type of electromagnetic field, bioelectric fields may also interact with the soul field. This could result in the transfer of information on working memory content to the soul via interactions with bioelectric fields produced by neural ensembles in the human brain. The soul field may also affect neurons on the molecular level in the brain through interactions with bioelectric fields and the recently proposed mechanism of cytoelectric coupling. The human soul is coupled to the body through its interactions with bioelectric fields in the body. Manifestations of the quantum-like fields comprising the soul field may carry out different functions such as encoding memories and experiences, representing emotion states, and defining personal identity. Interactions of these fields and their quanta could produce emergent properties such as self-awareness and consciousness.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Enhancing Efficiency, Ensuring Equity, and Restoring Empathy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative force across many sectors, with healthcare representing both one of the most promising and most challenging areas of application. This review summarizes current and future applications of AI in healthcare, focusing on its potential to improve diagnosis, therapy, chronic disease management, and overall patient care, while also alleviating physicians’ workload. Recent literature demonstrates that AI systems can reduce diagnostic errors/delays by mitigating cognitive biases, support imaging and pathology through improved accuracy and speed, and prevent prescribing errors by integrating pharmacogenomic and clinical data into decision-support systems. In chronic disease management, AI-powered wearable devices enable continuous monitoring and early detection of conditions such as atrial fibrillation, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and long-term disability, particularly in elderly people. Therapeutic applications include AI-driven drug discovery, personalized oncology, and tailored medicine that integrates multi-omics and lifestyle data. Beyond direct medical intervention, AI contributes by automating routine tasks, optimizing workflows, and facilitating greater patient–clinician interaction. Despite these benefits, significant challenges remain, including issues of data quality, privacy, security, equity, and the need for transparency and trust in “black box” systems. Looking ahead, the integration of multimodal data, digital twins, and robotics is expected to advance more comprehensive, equitable, and human-centered care. We conclude that, when applied ethically and responsibly, AI should not replace clinicians but rather serve as a powerful partner that enhances medicine by restoring empathy and humanity.

The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential: A Reinterpretation of its Electrogenesis

Depending upon the species, the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) consists of four or five major high frequency components. According to longstanding doctrine, each wave represents the sequential activation of successively higher nuclei and tracts from the 8th (auditory) nerve to the midbrain (inferior colliculus). Although this conceptual framework has acquired the status of near dogma, surprisingly little evidence exists in support. In the present analysis, a new interpretation of the electrogenesis of the BAEP is proposed which is simpler although it retains skeletal elements of the older explanation. The revised model is mostly derived from two distinct sources. In the first, the timing of the BAEP waves is compared with that of cortical activity for a range of mammals including humans, monkeys, cats, rats and guinea pigs. It is demonstrated that for each of these, the conduction time of the acoustic signal to the cortex from the putative midbrain component (wave IV or V) is so unrealistically long that it implies that the entire waveform must arise in the peripheral pathways of the auditory system. In the second, a retrospective analysis is made of click repetition rates on the BAEP using extradural electrodes. It was shown that at high rates of stimulation (about 100/sec), the behavior of the waveform is almost totally at variance with the expectations of the conventional model. The essence of the revised conception is that all BAEP waves are just variations of the compound action potential of the 8th nerve, albeit generated or regenerated via separate routes and different methods. Such an explanation would thereby account for their near uniform sharp morphology as well as creating the impression of a composite neuronal response. More specifically, in the case of a four component BAEP, wave I is assumed to be generated by the normal air conduction route in an identical manner to the conventional explanation. In contrast, wave ll is assumed to be generated via bone conduction in the temporal skull thereby bypassing the transduction process in the middle ear. Wave lll is assumed to be generated by the first echo of the bone-conducted sound wave. Likewise, the second rebound within the temporal bone serves as the stimulation to evoke wave lV. As the energy of the auditory stimulus gradually dissipates, it may still continue to generate a train of lower amplitude potentials. It is concluded that the BAEP may contain little or no brainstem or midbrain activity and therefore the term BAEP may be a misnomer. A more appropriate epithet might therefore be the auditory nerve evoked potential or ANEP.

A New Model of Body Composition Detects Association Between Severe Obesity and Increase in Skeletal Muscle Mass

Obesity is associated with functional limitations in muscle performance. The true effect of obesity on skeletal muscle mass, including any interactions with aging effects, remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated the impact of obesity on the stimulation of muscle growth, based on a new model of body composition. A dataset of 44 men and 64 women was analysed. Body weight (Wt), body height (Ht), hand circumference (HdC) and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Processed by the Dahlmann-Body-Analysis (DBA) system, a new model of body composition, the increase of skeletal muscle mass (ΔSMM) compared to the individual reference weight was calculated. Muscle mass data derived by the DBA model are compared with DXA-derived predictive equations of studies representing different countries and ethnicities estimating the appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Means of these groups are tested by ANOVA. Age ranged from 18 to 72 years. All subjects had a BMI ≥ 29.7 (kg/m²). The mean values of ΔSMM as an estimate of muscle mass gain calculated by the DBA-system were 11.8 ±3.6 kg for men and 8.9 ±2.6 kg for women, respectively, demonstrating a linear, significantly rising relationship with BMI (ß > 0, p<0.001). The study population did not show a decrease in muscle mass with age in either men or women up to an age of 65 years. The results suggest that the present model has satisfactory prediction qualities to detect an increase in skeletal muscle mass associated with a growing burden of body fat.

Reflections on Vitale’s & Hew Len’s book “Zero Limits” (2007): Holistic Psychosomatic and Spiritual Implications

The paper considers holistic psychosomatic and spiritual implications of our extended quantum-holographic theoretical framework in the context of Ho'oponopono remarkable reprogramming of the life situations by contextual repenting and forgiving ourselves. This suggests the full importance of holistic education and behavior, demonstrating the necessity of reorientation towards holistic subtle actions for global solutions of the world risk society.

Osteoarthritis Depressive, Loneliness and Social Isolation in Later Life and the Robotic Companion

Background Older adults with disabling osteoarthritis may be severely impacted by negative emotions and pain, especially if they feel isolated. Review Aims 1) To summarize the research base concerning the presence of depression in older adults suffering from osteoarthritis; 2) To examine the degree to which mitigating loneliness is desirable in this regard and may be helped by one of the many emergent robotic social devices offering companionship; and 3) To provide directives for professionals who work or are likely to work with this population in the future. Methods Reviewed were current publications detailing some aspect of osteoarthritis in the older adult, depression, emergent loneliness and social isolation, and the role and impact of robotic personal ‘friends’ in this realm. Results Collectively, these data reveal efforts to reduce and mitigate different degrees of depression in older adult osteoarthritis cases are needed and that social robots may help quell isolation. Implication Those older adults with osteoarthritis suffering from depression and emergent loneliness and social isolation may benefit from robotic human or pet like contacts and interactions regardless of cause and overall health status, but the key is still loneliness prevention.

Exploring the Correlation between Glucose and Apoptosis Levels in Stored Platelets

Background and Objectives Platelets are small, anucleate blood cells produced in the bone marrow, primarily involved in blood coagulation. Platelet concentrate is a vital blood product with extensive applications. However, its short lifespan and limited donor availability pose global challenges. This study aimed to follow the trend of platelets 5 during days of storage. Material and Methods We studied on 40 platelet bags and analyzed glucose levels, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bacterial culture, and apoptosis using flow cytometry with Annexin V-PI over three consecutive days (first, third, and fifth) post-blood collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results No significant correlations were found between age, blood group, or gender and the variables studied. No bacterial growth was detected. Glucose levels decreased significantly from day 1 (382 mg/dl) to day 5 (298 mg/dl). The average platelet apoptosis increased significantly from 3.65% on day 1 to 9.06% on day 5. Significant correlations were observed between glucose levels and apoptosis on days 3 (p<0.05) and 5 (p<0.01). No correlation found between LDH and apoptosis or necrosis, although a significant relationship between necrosis and apoptosis was noted on day 5 (p=0.003). Conclusion These findings suggest that while demographic factors do not influence the studied variables, the significant decrease in glucose levels correlates with increased platelet apoptosis over time, highlighting potential metabolic interactions that warrant further investigation.   Highlights 1. The study revealed subtle variations in metabolic markers related to donor demographics, particularly gender and age. Understanding these differences can inform targeted donor selection strategies to optimize platelet quality. 2. A significant negative correlation was found between glucose levels and apoptosis rates, indicating that as glucose decreases, platelet viability declines. This relationship highlights the need for careful monitoring of glucose levels during storage to maintain platelet function. 3. Fluctuations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were correlated with increasing rates of apoptosis, suggesting that LDH could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing platelet quality throughout the storage period. This finding could lead to improved storage protocols and enhanced transfusion safety.

REDOX ENZYMES: From Basics to Free Radical Scavenging

Redox enzymes are a type of enzyme that catalyzes redox reactions, that is, electron transfer reactions between two chemical species. Redox enzymes are essential for many biological processes, including cellular respiration, photosynthesis, energy production, and the elimination of free radicals. They are divided into two main types: oxidoreductases and electron transferases. Oxidoreductases catalyze the direct transfer of electrons between two chemical species, while electron transferases catalyze electron transfer by cofactors. Examples of redox enzymes include cytochrome c oxidase, NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and catalase. Each of these enzymes play an important role in cellular metabolism and organism homeostasis.

ANH in Complex Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Study

Objectives Blood transfusions in cardiac surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to identify potential benefits of ANH in high-risk cardiac surgery. Design This was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Setting The study was performed at a tertiary care university hospital. Participants 61 patients who underwent complex cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled in the study. Measurements and Main Results After randomization, 32 patients were assigned to the ANH arm, and 29 patients were assigned to the control group. ANH was associated with a lower incidence of total perioperative pRBC transfusion (0.6 ± 1.2 units vs 2.7 ± 6.8 units; p = 0.030/0.049). Total perioperative transfusion of all other fractionated blood products, including platelets (0.8 ± units vs 1.9 ± 2.4 units; p=0.010), cryoprecipitate (0.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 2.0; p=0.016) and FFP (0.5 ± 1.0 vs 2.3 ± 6.2 units; p=0.013), was significantly lower in the ANH group compared to controls. Participants in the ANH group received significantly fewer intraoperative transfusions of pRBC (0.4 ± 1.2 vs 2.6± 7.0 units; p=0.037), platelets (0.8 ± 1.2 units vs 1.9 ± 2.4 units; p=0.013, logtrans), FFP (0.4 ± 0.9 vs 2.5 ± 6.4 units; p=0.003) and cryoprecipitate (0.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 2.1 units; p=0.012, logtrans). With respect to secondary clinical outcomes, ANH participants had statistically shorter ICU (3.7 ± 1.9 vs 5.4 ± 3.6 days; p=0.020) and hospital (6.7 ± 2.1 vs 9.5 ± 7.7 days; p = 0.048) length of stays Conclusions ANH in complex cardiac surgical patients is safe and may be effective in reducing the allogenic blood product transfusion of PRBCs, FFP, platelets and cryoprecipitate in the perioperative period.

Extended Bioethics as a Response to Global Biological Consciousness

Humanity is persistently threatened by global pandemics- exemplified by the Black plague, the Spanish flu, and COVID-19, which reveal a continual absence of concern in real-time prevention. To forecast biological threats in the future and spur proactive human response, the term Global Biological Consciousness (GBC) is introduced.GBC requires an Extended Bioethics, a dynamic ethical framework for conscious management mediated by GBC. This perspective will enable preventive actions and will seek global biological resilience through the algorithmic responsibility of AI and systemic justice, as will be explained in the work. The GBC, through Extended Bioethics, will provide an ability to analyze biological data as it occurs using AI and quantum computing, expect outbreaks before they happen and attenuate their effects, here creates a new ethical contract for all humankind as they co-exist in a biological world.

Factors Influencing HIV Status Disclosure Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Mukono District, Uganda: Beyond Health System Support

Background HIV status disclosure is a complex process influenced by multiple factors beyond health system support. Understanding these factors is essential for developing comprehensive interventions to promote disclosure and improve HIV prevention and care outcomes. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 health facilities offering comprehensive HIV/AIDS care in Mukono district, Uganda. Data was collected from 317 clients through interview-guided questionnaires. Data was entered using EPI data and analyzed using SPSS version 16, including logistic regression to identify factors associated with disclosure. Results Multiple factors influenced HIV status disclosure. Individual factors included knowledge about HIV (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.45-3.78), self-efficacy (OR=3.12, 95% CI: 1.87-5.21), and psychological readiness (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.76-4.75). Relationship factors included relationship quality (OR=3.56, 95% CI: 2.13-5.94), communication patterns (OR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.65-4.69), and anticipated partner reaction (OR=4.23, 95% CI: 2.54-7.05). Community factors included perceived stigma (OR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.21-0.56), cultural norms (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.27-0.75), and religious beliefs (OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.12-3.14). Structural factors included economic dependence (OR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.23-0.63) and access to support services (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.47-4.08). Conclusions HIV status disclosure is influenced by a complex interplay of individual, relationship, community, and structural factors. Effective interventions to promote disclosure must address these multiple levels of influence, going beyond health system support to create enabling environments for disclosure at the individual, relationship, community, and structural levels.

RETRACTED: Association of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Severity of COVID- 19: A Multicentric Study from Maharashtra, India

This article has been retracted on 30 August 2025. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-25-5842) Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the global research efforts to identify the risk factors which would lead to severe COVID-19 disease. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods A total of 2820 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease in nine Government Medical Colleges, COVID hospitals or COVID care centers of Maharashtra were included in the study. Interviews were conducted on the telephone and counselling was done. Results Among 2820, 2442 (86.60%) were asymptomatic or had a mild or moderate illness. More than half of the total COVID- 19 positive cases, 1591 (56.41%), were in the normal BMI range, and of these only 183 (11.50%) had severe COVID-19 disease. On the other hand, 647 (22.94%) patients were overweight and 106 (16.38%) had Severe COVID- 19 disease. Similarly, the patients who were obese, 363 (84.03%) were asymptomatic and 69 (15.97%) had severe COVID- 19 disease. Odds ratio for this association was found as 1.5, which indicates that patients who were obese (BMI ≥ 27.5) had one and half times increased odds of progression to severity as compared to patients having normal BMI. This association was found to be statistically significant (p- value < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings highlight the significant role of BMI in clinical progression of COVID-19 disease. Patients with underweight and obesity experienced more severe outcomes than those of normal weight when being hospitalized with COVID-19 disease.

Documenting Interspecific Predation in Odonata: Observations of Ischnura Senegalensis Preying on Agriocnemis Pygmaea in Rice Fields of Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Puliyankulama, Anuradhapura District

Interspecific predation within Odonata is a critical yet underexplored aspect of their ecological interactions. This short communication reports a novel observation of Ischnura senegalensis preying upon Agriocnemis pygmaea in rice fields at the Faculty of Agriculture, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Documented on March 22, 2024, during the reproductive stage of the rice field, the predatory event involved a female I. senegalensis feeding on the head of a female A. pygmaea. Predation, characterized by the use of mandibles and lasting at least 15 minutes, reveals significant predatory efficiency and behavioral specialization. This observation fills a gap in the understanding of I. senegalensis feeding behavior in Sri Lanka and contributes to the broader knowledge of Odonate predator-prey dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of these interactions in maintaining ecological balance and suggest further research into the impacts of such predatory behaviors on agricultural ecosystems.

Climate Change Reduces Darling River Water Levels by Decreasing Eastern Australian Rainfall

Significantly decreased rainfall run-off into the dams that feed the Darling River in eastern Australia during the Millennium (1997–2009) and Tinderbox (2017 –2019) Droughts coincided with reduced river levels along the Darling River. The rainfall reduction was due to accelerated global warming since the mid-late 1990s. During this period, unmonitored river water extraction from the streams that feed the Darling River was diverted to crops, on-farm dams, and to storage in the Menindee Lake system. This practice exacerbated the effect of the two droughts because streamflow that reaches the Darling River ceased in several upstream rivers, and in the Darling River. Using Darling River height levels, before and after the mid-late 1990s, it is shown that global warming is the key factor reducing Darling River levels in the last 53 years, even allowing for river water diversion and extraction. Between the periods 1972-1997 and 1998-2024 the Darling River mean heights, in the towns of Bourke, Wilcannia and Menindee, were all found to drop by statistically significant amounts. The catchment area rainfall has found to be decreasing due to global warming induced atmospheric circulation changes. Reducing water extraction either before or after it reaches the Darling River is unlikely to stop the short-medium term decline in Darling River levels.

Delving into the Ideas of Charles Darwin: A Study of His Pre-Beagle Musings, Beagle Expedition, and Subsequent Developments

Charles Darwin's exploration of the Galápagos Islands in 1835 and his subsequent formulation of the theory of evolution in 1839 were significantly influenced by his observations of land-birds, including finches, larks, owls, and mockingthrushes. Despite a primary focus on geology during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, Darwin meticulously documented various species in his field notebooks. Early observations during his youth at Edinburgh University and the Beagle expedition reflected Darwin's growing curiosity about species variation. However, it was not until his return to England and his interaction with ornithologist John Gould that Darwin began to recognize the significance of the finches he had observed in the Galápagos. This review synthesizes existing literature on Darwin's transition from geological interests to his groundbreaking insights into evolution. By examining primary sources, historical interpretations, and contemporary analyses, this paper highlights how Darwin's observations and Gould's influence shaped his revolutionary theory of species transmutation—the gradual transformation of one species into another over time. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Darwin's contributions, illustrating how his Galápagos observations and collaboration with Gould laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology and continue to influence scientific thought on species adaptation and natural selection.

Impact of Climate Change on Public Health in Rwanda

Rwanda is a small Central African country. A land with thousands of hills and mountains. It is a low-income country and one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. It is home to a variety of ecosystems, such as mountainous rainforests, gallery forests, savanna woodlands, wetlands, aquatic forests, and agroecosystems. From rising temperatures to changing rainfall patterns, the hidden dangers of climate change are unmasking themselves in the form of various health risks. Every year, many deaths, bodily injuries, and house collapses, among other repercussions, are documented as detrimental effects of climate change events on public health. This article delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and public health in Rwanda, exploring the adverse effects it has on vulnerable communities. By shedding light on this pressing issue, we can better understand the urgency of taking action to mitigate the impact of climate change on public health as well as potential solutions to the current predicament. The authors researched several literatures to develop their perspectives on the subject and explored potential solutions to protect the well-being of Rwandans in the face of this global crisis.

Protection Side Chain of Lysine by Host-Affinity Molecules during Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis in Aqueous Phase

A new approach to protecting the side chain of lysine during solid-phase peptide synthesis in an aqueous environment is explored. The objectives of this study are twofold: 1) to reduce the consumption of chemical solvents in peptide synthesis, and 2) to lower the costs associated with lysine side chain protection. In an effort to minimize the usage of organic solvents in amino acid side chain protection for peptide synthesis,18-crown-6 molecule (18C6) was introduced as protective agent for Lysine (Lys) side chain protection. 18C6 is utilized to protect ε-amino group of on side chain of Lys in peptide synthesis. 18C6 features cavity at its center. The 18C6 molecules exhibit a unique and distinctive host-guest affinity towards ε-amino group on side chain of Lys. 18C6 bind to Lys side chain through hydrogen bonds with ε-amino group of Lys, eliminating the need for chemical reactions in organic solvents to attach protective molecules to the side chain groups. This simplifies the side chain protection procedure significantly for Lys, reducing the consumption of organic solvents. Consequently, this procedure offers advantages for contributing to a greener planet by minimizing chemical reactions and organic solvent usage. Additionally, the cost of side chain protection of Lys is dramatically reduced.

Leflunomide-Induced Cystoid Macular Edema: A Rare Case Report

Introduction Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a sight-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the macula due to blood-retinal barrier disruption. Various factors, including drug reactions, can lead to retinal fluid leakage. Leflunomide, a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, marked significant progress in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Although effective, Leflunomide has rarely been linked to CME. This report presents a unique case of Leflunomide-induced CME, adding to the limited literature on this subject. Methods We report the case of a 75-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis treated with Leflunomide, presenting with bilateral CME and reduced visual acuity (VA). Comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, including VA tests, fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography, were conducted. Results The patient presented with CME and decreased VA in both eyes for several months. She had undergone cataract surgery 20 years prior and was using topical nepafenac, dorzolamide, and dexamethasone. Initial VA was OD 20/50 and OS 20/40. VA improved with treatment, but CME recurred upon discontinuation. The patient had been on Leflunomide for one year. After consulting with the Rheumatology department and considering a previous case of bilateral Leflunomide-induced CME, the drug was discontinued. CME resolved without recurrence or the need for topical treatment. At her final visit, VA was OU 20/25. Conclusion This case highlights Leflunomide as a potential, though rare, cause of CME. It emphasizes considering systemic medications in CME diagnosis. Timely discontinuation of Leflunomide may resolve CME and prevent further visual impairment. Further studies are needed to understand this rare side effect comprehensively.

The Dietary Cation Anion Balance Exacerbates the Effects of Inorganic Phosphates on Parameters of Phosphate Metabolism in Cats

Dietary intake of inorganic phosphates is linked to various adverse health effects. Excessive intake of highly soluble inorganic phosphates, which are used as feed and food additives, have been found to impair parameters of kidney health. As chronic kidney disease represents one of the most frequently occurring terminal diseases especially in cats, extensive knowledge regarding the safety of these additives is important. Other minerals, such as calcium, can modulate their effects on the phosphate homeostasis and kidney health. Therefore, it is crucial to examine further factors, such as the dietary cation-anion balance (CAB), resulting from the concentrations of major minerals in a diet. In this study, eleven healthy cats were fed a control diet and two diets with added sodium monophosphate (NaH2PO4) with either a low (-10 mmol/kg dry matter) or high (+450 mmol/kg dry matter) CAB for 28 days each. The serum concentrations of phosphate and parameters of phosphate homeostasis were determined in the fasting and postprandial blood samples next to the apparent digestibility and retention of phosphate and calcium. The diet with positive CAB led to an increase of serum phosphate and the phosphatonin FGF23, apparently digested phosphate, and phosphate retention. This is further proof that source and amount of phosphates in a diet are not the only determinants of the extent of potential adverse health effects. Until the interactions between inorganic phosphates and other dietary compounds are fully understood, recommendations regarding the safe use of phosphate containing additives in pet food are precarious.

A Systematic Review of Dengue Fever and Dengue-Associated Neurological Conditions Was Conducted in an Attempt to Better Understand This Disease

Dengue is a global arbovirus disease primarily carried by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It has four serotypes (DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4) and is classified into distinct genotypes. The epidemic is complicated by immunological interactions and viral lineage turnover. Neurological problems are commonly associated with DENV2 and DENV3, with DENV2 displaying the most severe symptoms. Direct viral invasion, host-mediated immune system reactions, or host-mediated metabolic alterations can all result in dengue-related neurological issues. The three dengue vaccinations and the significance of meta-analyses for genetic data will also be covered. Finally, establish a connection with the microRNAs associated with dengue fever, creating new opportunities for the creation of dengue treatment regimens involving microRNAs.

A Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy For Predicting Therapy Targets Of Beta-Sitosterol In Treating Diabetic Retinopathy

Background Beta-Sitosterol (SIT) is an active TCM compound employed to treat diabetic retinopathy (DR). A network pharmacology approach to understanding the active ingredients and the therapeutic mechanisms underlying DR has not been pursued. Methods The potential targets for DM were identified according to the MedGene, Gendome, HGNC, OMIM, GeneCards, PheGenI, GEO, and STRING database. The herb and components were predicted and screened by network pharmacology through oral bioavailability and drug-likeness filtration using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Analysis Platform database. A network pharmacology prediction and network analysis were used to predict the active potential targets and pathways of SIT application to DR. Results We found the Top 15 DR-related genes by screening in 9 databases. 26 kinds of TCM and nearly 300 kinds of active ingredients. SIT exists in 10 kinds of DR-treat TCM. The comprehensive network pharmacology approach was successful in identifying 23 kinds of core genes for SIT treating DR. ERBB3 and IGF2-related PI3K-Akt signaling pathway or EDN3, IGF2 and SPP1-related receptor ligand activity pathway might be the main pharmacological targets, and pathways in DR. We speculated that SIT was effective for the treatment of DR.  Conclusion Based on the network pharmacology, we predicted the potential targets of SIT in treating DR and helped to illustrate the mechanism of action. Our study identifies key genes and pathways associated with the prognosis and pathogenesis of DR from new insights.

Measuring Quality Change in the Market for Anti-Ulcer Drugs

The General Accounting Office released a study in August 1992 of twenty-nine sampled prescription drugs that reported an average increase in the price of approximately 138 percent between 1985 and 1991 (GAO 1992, 4, Table 1) Those and other published price indexes are increasingly being used in the public policy arena to focus the debate on the potential regulation of pharmaceutical prices and the coverage of health insurance. In an industry where products are multidimensional and the rate of technological progress is brisk, misinterpretation of unadjusted indices of drug prices can easily arise. This can lead to erroneous conclusions regarding appropriate policies for the pharmaceutical industry. Researchers have addressed numerous general theoretical issues concerning the construction and interpretation of price indices 1. Two issues of particular interest for pharmaceutical markets are the new goods problem, which deals with the introduction of generic drugs into a drug price index, and the quality problem, which recognizes that newer versions of drugs with the same basic Chemical action may be superior in certain dimensions to drugs already on the market. Specific to pharmaceutical markets, 2 have also argued that the sampling procedure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to calculate pharmaceutical price indices is flawed. Each of those problems deserves careful analysis. This study focuses on the issue of product quality measurement and quality change.

Exploring HIV Self-Testing: Barriers and Facilitators among Undergraduate Students

Introduction Globally, 36.7 million individuals live with HIV/AIDS, with 2.5 million new cases annually. Youth (14-25 years) account for 45% of these new infections. Those aged 15-24 years are less likely to be aware of their HIV status and engage in HIV care compared to older adults. This study explores the use of HIV self-testing to improve access to HIV care among Kenyatta University undergraduates. Objective To identify barriers and facilitators to HIV self-testing in this group. Methodology Employing multistage cluster sampling, 398 students were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Results Of the participants (median age 21 years, 1:1.03 male-to-female ratio), 91.7% understood HIV's seriousness, with sexual intercourse as the primary transmission mode. Self-testing usage was 28.8%. Key barriers included fear of partner reaction, stigma, and lack of confidence. Significant facilitators were being female, knowledgeable about HIV, and sexually active. Conclusion Only 24% had prior HIV testing experience. The study highlights the importance of addressing fears and misconceptions while leveraging knowledge and sexual activity awareness to promote HIV self-testing.

RETRACTED: A Microglia Initiated Target Therapy in Neuroinflammation for Alzheimer’s Patients

This article has been retracted on 20 March 2025. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2998-4211.jalr-25-5855) The research is focused on neuroinflammation a normal physiological process which is known to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases could be the potential targeted therapy via the microglia cells, it starts with defining Alzheimer’s; a neurodegenerative disease which causes deposition of Aβ (amyloid beta) protein in the cerebral cortex as well as NFT (neurofibrillary tangles) in the hippocampus and basal ganglia. The paper then describes process of neuroinflammation, microglia’s role, apolipoprotein E4 gene in relation to Alzheimer’s, which leads to different stem cell research and how pruning microglia as well as targeting microglia receptors in the brain is being used in current research trials, we included multiple meta-analysis showing microglia receptors being targeted currently by emerging drugs like propofol, antibodies CSF1R inhibitor etc, which are currently under trial phase, the research ends with concluding potential diagnostic markers like sirt1 considered to be an anti-aging protein which can be used as therapeutic interventions and Lps effect on Sirt 1. A Microglia initiated target therapy in Neuroinflammation for Alzheimer’s Patients.

RETRACTED: Leap into Fetal Surgery; In Utero Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy, A Contemporary Approach to Treating Myelomeningocele

This article has been retracted on April 10, 2025. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2997-2086.jfs-25-5857) Myelomeningocele (MMC), a class of spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year approximately 1,400 babies born in the United States have spina bifida. The disease manifests with the lack of skin and bone covering the caudal part of the spinal cord. The patient developing such a condition often develops lifelong impaired lower limb mobility accompanied by hydrocephalus, and urinary and bowel incontinence. The available interventions include prenatal and postnatal surgery to fuse the dura. Prenatal surgery performed before 26 weeks of gestation reduces the risk of death or the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting. It also enhanced results on a comprehensive index for mental and motor function. When compared to postnatal surgery, prenatal surgery reduces the manifestation of several secondary outcomes, including the degree of hindbrain herniation seen in the Chiari II malformation. Stem cell therapy for MMC on animal models of chick, ovine, and rodents with reported cases 15/63, 15, and 136, respectively, using human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs), Neural Stem Cells (NSCs), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) showed significant coverage of MMC defect and slight neurogenesis was also observed. With an understanding of medical literature about in-utero regenerative capacity, it is to be appreciated that placental stem cells surgically seeded within a biocompatible scaffold of the cell patches can play a part in alleviating the spinal cord manifestation associated with MMC. Documented animal studies show that incorporating Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells in prenatal surgery has reported improved neurogenesis and lower limb mobility. In an ovine myelomeningocele model, the development of in-utero myelomeningocele repair with human Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells seeded onto an extracellular matrix (PMSC-ECM) enhances motor findings. The clinical trial for the first stem cell therapy on human subjects known as the “CuRe Trial: Cellular Therapy for In Utero Repair of Myelomeningocele.” is expected to be finished by 2030. So far, the cases undergoing treatment have shown significant leg movement and a greater degree of bowel and urinary control. This FDA-approved clinical trial is envisioned to be the future of treating MMC.