Recent Articles

The target of most cancer chemotherapeutic agents is to drive cancer cells toward death, necessitating the need to find a fine balance between anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Any shift favoring the pro apoptotic proteins is needed to drive cellular death in cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, this study uses molecular docking, ADMET predictions, and molecular dynamics simulations for the identification of potent inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 from Morus alba. Our molecular docking study discovered that quercetin-3-(6- malonylglucoside) (-10.912kcal/mol) and epigallocatechin gallate (-9.750kcal/mol) recorded excellent binding affinity against human Bcl-2, better than popular stan dard drugs, venetoclax (-9.468(kcal/mol) and navitoclax (-9.058kcal/mol). Interactions profile summary clearly showed that hydrophobic interactions at TRP141, VAL145, and TYR105 were consistently maintained by the ligands, and all the com pounds, except venetoclax, consistently maintained the hydrogen bonding at TYR105. MD simulation analysis showed that the protein and ligand RMSD for the quercetin-3-(6-malonylglucoside)-Bcl-2 complex fell within permissible range, suggest ing the ligand is capable of functioning as apposite antagonists of Bcl-2. Epigallocatechin gallate also bind excellently with the target, and both ligands showed favorable ADMET parameters. Summarily, this study identifies two compounds of mul berry as potential drug candidate in the management of known human malignancies, and therefore suggest the compounds should further be assessed through in vitro and in vivo approaches to validate the reports documented here

The electronic and thermoelectric properties of AB3 (A =Pr, Nd and B=In) materials (crystallizing in the cubic structure) having space group Pm-3m (221) are studied using B3PW91 hybrid functional through the Full-Potential Linear Augment ed Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) approach within the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT). The calculated lattice pa rameters for PrIn3 and NdIn3 are 4.5668 Å and 4.5539 Å respectively. Electron-electron correlation effect is due to the 4f or bitals present in these materials and therefore, with the use of B3PW91 hybrid functional, band structure and density of states are calculated. When analyzing electron charge density, these materials showed a stronger ionic character. Band struc ture and density of state analysis confirms the metallic nature of the materials. Using the semi-empirical Boltzmann ap proach implemented in the BoltzTraP code, the thermoelectric parameters, such as Seebeck coefficient, figure of merit, elec trical conductivity per relaxation time, and electronic thermal conductivity per relaxation time as a function of chemical po tential, were computed at 500 K temperature gradient. PrIn3 showed highest Seebeck coefficient value, 50.68μV/K among th ese compounds. The peak value of electrical conductivity per relaxation time and electronic thermal conductivity per relaxa tion time among these compounds is calculated for NdIn3 is 2.43 x 1020 1/Ωms and 22.50×1014 W/mKs

Background: This study aims to fill the information gap on factors affecting time to return to normal HbA1c level and expected survival times in Ethiopia, as studies on these aspects are scarce, particularly in diabetic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients with Diabetes Mellitus who follow-up the diabetic clinic at HUCSH, Ethiopia, between May to July 2021. The 382 diabetic patients were recruited into the study using simple random sam pling techniques from the recorded frame of the hospital and were interviewed using structured interview schedule. The Cox re gression analysis is applied on time to time to return normal HbA1c level. Data were entered, using EPI – info and analyzed by us ing STATA 16 computer software. Result: Diabetic patient expected survival times to return normal HbA1c had an average of 52.678 weeks with a standard error of 0.144. HbA1c level return to normal on patients of age below 18 year-old is reduced by 91.7% as compared to those who are older than 54 years. Similarly, the recovery time of patients in the age groups 18-36 year and 36-54 year is reduced by 44.1% and 55.6%, respectively compared to patients of age above 54 year-old. Moreover, when compared to patients with no medication side effects and patients with nausea/vomiting, headache, fatigue, and stomach upset have 43.8%, 57.3%, 44.1%, and 64.3% longer time to re turn to normal HbA1c level. Additionally, patient with low adherence level of patients were increased by 47.8 % time to return to normal HbA1c level compared to high adherence.

Background and Objectives: A novel ibuprofen L-arginine film-coated tablet formulation has recently been developed. The study objective was to assess bioequivalence of the newly developed formulation and a marketed granules for oral solution (reference), in terms of rate and extent of absorption of S(+)-ibuprofen, R(-)-ibuprofen and their sum. Methods: In this randomized, two-way cross-over study, 24 healthy men and women received a single 600 mg oral dose of each product in 2 subsequent periods, with a washout of at least 3 days. Plasma S(+)- and R(-)-ibuprofen concentrations were determined with a chiral bioanalytical method up to 12 h post-dose, and total ibuprofen was calculated at each time- point as the sum of the two enantiomers’ concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. The primary study endpoints for bioequivalence evaluation were plasma peak concentration (Cmax ) and area under the curve up to the last time-point (AUC0–t )

Choice of anesthetic approach for patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remains a challenge to the anesthetist, especially in emergency situations and for patients having multiple diseases. Although two main types of anesthetic techniques including general anesthetic (GA) and local anesthetic (LA) are used in EVAR, little is known about the effects of a combination method. Hence, we report a new combination anesthetic method used for 3 cases who are having multiple basic diseases (cardiovascular or lung) or with complex surgical procedure. The relevant anesthetic proce dure was firstly anesthesia induction with midazolam, sufentanil, etomidate, rocuronium and methylprednisolone. After in duction of GA and tracheal intubation, LA with 2% lidocaine combined with midazolam for sedation monitored anesthesia care (MAC) was maintained till to the end of the operation. Importantly, propofol and remifentanil were not injected with micropumps, muscle relaxants were not used, and anesthetics were not inhaled to maintain anesthesia. The depth of anesth esia was determined by Bis value and kept at the level of 40-60 during the operation. All patients cured and have completed one year follow-up. The benefits of using the method include: 1) increasing analgesic effect of LA mode and preventing pa tient body from moving and vasospasm occlusion caused by patient stress during LA procedure; 2) reducing the adverse re actions of GA drugs on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems therefore maintaining intraoperative hemodynamic sta bility. It is concluded that our method provides a new and valuable anesthetic consideration for emergency and complex en dovascular repair surgery

Solar cell technology is increasingly popular for generating electricity. Th¬e photovoltaic effect is the fundamental principle behind solar cells, converting light into electricity. One of the most significant advantages is that solar energy is a renewable resource. Despite the reported advantages, some challenges are associated with using solar cells to generate electricity

In this work an artificial neural network (ANN) was constructed and trained for the prediction of the soil organic carbon to water distribution coefficients of some aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene derivatives based on quantitative structure- property relationships approaches. The inputs of this network are theoretically derived descriptors, which were chosen by the stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) variables selection techniques. These descriptors are: R-maximal in dex/weighted by atomic Sanderson electronegativities, R-maximal autocorrelation of lag5/weighted by atomic Sanderson electronegativities, R-autocorrelation of lag3/weighted by atomic Sanderson electronegativities, 3D-Morse-signal 01/weight ed by atomic van der Waals volumes and H autocorrelation of lag3/weighted by atomic polarizabilities which encode topo logical and electronic aspects of molecules. The standard errors of the obtained ANN model are 0.16, 0.19 and 0.27 for train ing, test and prediction sets respectively. Comparison between statistical results calculated from the MLR and ANN models reveals that all statistics have been improved considerably in the case of the ANN model. Also the results obtained in this pa per demonstrate that it is possible to generate robust neural network, capable in estimation of the soil organic carbon to wa ter distribution coefficient using theoretically calculated molecular descriptors.

In this research, (Poly lactic acid)(PLA)/Poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL) blends containing 2 and 3 phr glycidyl methacrylate (G MA) as a chain extender, and nanocomposites of compatibilized and uncompatibilized PLA/PCL containing 7 and 9 phr nanocalcium carbonate (NCC) were prepared via melt mixing. The crystallinity, tensile properties, morphology, permeabili ty and rheology of the samples were investigated. The results showed that using 25 wt. % of PCL leads to optimum proper ties of PLA/PCL blends. The crystallinity of this sample was increased from 5 (for neat PLA) to 27% in the sample contain ing both GMA and NCC. In addition, the elongation at break of the compatibilized blend is improved up to 180% in com parison to neat PLA. The result showed that the barrier properties of PLA/PCL blends were increased by the crystallinity en hancement of PLA and the intrinsic low permeability of PCL. It was found that the addition of 9 phr NCC to this sample promotes crystallinity and barrier properties, but causes lower tensile properties of blends. Finally, the use of NCC and GMA simultaneously results in lower crystallinity and barrier properties, which could be due to the phase separation of com ponents in the blends. The barrier properties of some samples like compatibilized nanocomposite in composition of 9 phr NCC are closer to PE and PP and thus suitable for replacing of oil based polymers

Background: Overweight and obesity is defined as the accumulation of excessive fat in the body of children. Even though childhood overweight and obesity are not yet supposed to be an emerging health issue in Ethiopia, their preva lence increases. The magnitude of overweight and obesity in the Southwest region, particularly in Bonga town is un known. Hence, the study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school-aged children in Bonga town, Southwest Ethiopia

The incremental procedure for composite resin restorations is time-consuming and technique-sensitive, requiring the physi cian to have outstanding hand dexterity to achieve appropriate contacts and shapes. The "stamp technique" for posterior composite restoration is a technique for precisely replicating occlusal architecture but is less popular. When the tooth's pre operative anatomy is intact, this treatment is recommended. When caries has caused the occlusal surface to cavitate, an indi rect approach may be used. This case series goal is to explain the direct and indirect methods of fabricating and restoring stamps using various materials, with a focus on how dependable and predictable they are when done correctly and how much they aid the practitioner to perfection.

Crime scenes offer a wealth of tangible evidence crucial for reconstructing events, identifying suspects, and substantiating or refuting facts. Eyewear fragments, though often overlooked, constitute valuable forensic evidence. Eye power, indicative of the prescription required for corrective lenses, is determined by individual ocular characteristics such as eyeball shape, size, corneal curvature, and lens properties. This study aimed to explore the distinctiveness of eye powers and their potential for predicting biological profiles based on prescription eyewear. Additionally, it sought to examine correlations between eye power, gender, age, and other variables. Data from 100 samples (50 male, 50 female) were collected via an online Google form and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and statistical software. The sample was evenly distributed across age groups (10-34 and 35-59 years), with prevalent blood groups being B+VE and O+VE. Findings revealed higher eyewear usage among participants with both parents wearing glasses and minimal use among siblings. Myopia was more common than hy peropia, and participants reported significant daily screen time, correlating with poorer vision. A notable finding was a strong positive correlation between left and right lens powers, with no significant gender disparities. In conclusion, while eye power effectively distinguishes age groups, its potential for individual identification warrants further refinement and broader application. The study underscored the absence of a centralized database or web tool in India, suggesting the poten tial benefits of developing such resources to enhance forensic accuracy and accessibility. Limitations included a relatively small sample size and the use of non-standardized questionnaires, indicating opportunities for methodological improve ment in future research endeavors

A comprehensive study was conducted across educational institutions of District Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) to ascer tain the available parameters essential for maintaining health and hygiene among school children. A total of 41 educational institutions were randomly selected from all the 12 zones of District Anantnag, focusing on essential elements such as safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. The findings revealed significant gaps in maintaining effective health and hygiene in schools, with 61.9% of schools lacking a school health team and 65.8% facing challenges in water purification methods and equipment maintenance. Additionally, 31.7% lack proper sanitation facilities, 73.2% lack facilities for menstru al hygiene and 26.8% schools do not engage in regular cleaning activities. Furthermore, the study highlights concerns relat ed to dietary habits, as 43.9% of schools do not observe food or fruit days to promote healthy eating instead of junk food, and a substantial 92.7% fail to adhere to mandatory guidelines for laboratory testing of midday meals. Community involve ment, crucial for holistic development, is found to be lacking in 39% of schools. However, the awareness programmes re garding anti-smoking (97.6%), drug abuse (97.6%), personal hygiene (95.1%), consumption of balanced/nutritious diet (90.2%) and avoidance of junk food (85.4%) is commendable

Introduction: Studies on autoimmune myasthenia gravis are still rare in sub-Saharan Africa, and little is known about its profile. The aim of this study was to characterise the sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical profile of autoimmune myasthenia gravis in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Patients and methods: This was a longitudinal, descriptive, analytical, multicentre study carried out in various health facili ties in Burkina Faso, from March 2015 to April 2023. The study concerned patients who had clinical symptoms suggestive of myasthenia gravis, associated with the presence in the serum of anti-AChR (acetyl choline receptor) antibodies and/or an ti-MuSK (muscle specific kinase) antibodies and/or the presence of a decrement >10% on electroneuromyography of repeti tive nerve stimulation and/or a positive therapeutic test with oral anticholinesterase drugs. Sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical data were analysed using Epi- info 7.2.5.0 software

Objectives: To determine if a video physical exam clip of patients with acute bronchiolitis on high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) altered the duration of time from handoff initiation to either acceptance or refusal of the patient from the emergen cy department (ED) to the inpatient (IP) general pediatric wards. Study Design: This was a randomized controlled study conducted at a tertiary care children’s ED. Patients with bronchioli tis requiring HFNC and admission to the hospital were randomized to either video physical exam handoff or verbal handoff via telephone call alone. The primary outcome was length of time between handoff initiation and patient acceptance or re fusal by the IP team. Secondary outcomes included clinician handoff satisfaction scores and general safety comparisons. Results: Of the 103 children enrolled, 53 (51%) were assigned to video physical exam handoff and 50 (49%) assigned to ver bal handoff alone. There was no significant difference regarding length of time between ED handoff initiation and IP accep tance or refusal of admission between the video and verbal groups (10.71 minutes vs 9.18 minutes, p=0.517, CI -0.619-3.3).

Introduction: Vietnam has not yet conducted any studies reporting the rate of mother-to-child HIV transmission at 6 – 8 weeks. This study aims to determine some factors related to mother-to-child transmission of HIV in An Giang province. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on pregnant women from An Giang residing in An Giang province from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010; and all pregnant women infected with HIV from August 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010, who were managed and monitored for mother-to-child HIV transmission in An Giang province. Results: 98 pregnant women and their children infected with HIV were monitored for analysis. The average age of the mothers, the history of HIV infection in the mothers, the stage of HIV infection in the mothers, the number of childbirths, and the BMI index showed no relation to the transmission of HIV to the children. The average gestational age in the group of children infected with HIV was 37.11 weeks compared to 38.60 weeks in the group of children not infected with HIV, with the difference in gestational age between the two groups being statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found related to the factors of episiotomy, baby weight, baby gender, and Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes between the groups of children infected with HIV and those not infected with HIV. There were 21 recorded cases of cesarean section, but none of the children in these cases were infected with HIV, while in the group of children born via vaginal delivery, 9 out of 77 cases were infected.

Background: Childhood immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions to prevent morbidity and mortality in children with Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs). Despite this, achieving high vaccination coverage is still pressing global public health problem, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. Objective: This study aims to identify factors associated with non- and incomplete vaccination status among children aged 12-23 months in Gindhir rural district, East Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia

leomorphic adenoma, a commonly encountered salivary gland tumor, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its varied clinical and histopathological features. It is also known as “mixed tumor, which describes its pleomorphic appearance as opposed to its dual origin from epithelial and myoepithelial elements. This case report presents a notable instance of pleomorphic adenoma originating from the palate in a young female . The patient's history, clinical examination, and histopathological findings, including diverse morphological patterns with epithelial and myoepithelial components, are detailed.

Background: This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of smartphone applications for skin cancer detection. It explores their features, functionalities, performance metrics, and limitations. These apps offer melanoma detection, self-examination techniques, and risk factor assessment, with some providing advanced services like image analysis and dermatologist reviews. Methods: The performance evaluation assessed the accuracy of these apps in identifying skin lesions, with a focus on the chance of misidentifying benign lesions. Performance variations across iOS and Android devices were examined. Concerns regarding overdiagnosis or false alarms for certain lesion types and clinical scenarios were investigated. Algorithm comparison highlighted diverse approaches, with SkinVision demonstrating balanced performance

The study assessed baseline study of cassava seed business among youths in Anambra state, Nigeria: a gender situation analysis. The specific objectives were to; identify the level of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths, estimate the level of market orientation among male and female youths in cassava seed business, ascertain the significant differences in total area of the farm, area of cassava farm planted and bundles harvested among male and female youth farmers, identify the determinants of participation in cassava seed business among male and female youths and estimate the factors constraining youths’ participation in cassava seed business. Primary data were collected randomly from 60 male and 60 female cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data were analyzed using statistical tools such as, descriptive statistics, Z-test and regression analysis. From the findings, the average mean age of both female and male farmers was 30 and 18 years.

Association of a supra-radicular attachment with a removable partial denture on a metal framework is a therapeutic solution that may overcome the biomechanical and aesthetic challenges associated with posterior extensive edentulism. However, the success of the treatment requires rigorous preliminary study, thorough expertise in prosthetic implementation, as well as active patient cooperation.