Exclusion Method Research Articles

Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structure, and DFT calculations of Zn complex encompassing HLN2O ligand: Relevance in cytotoxicity and antifungal photodynamic therapy.

This article presents the synthesis, characterization, and X-ray crystallographic features of one new Zn complex derived from a Salen-type tridentate ligand (HLN2O). A single-crystal diffraction study determined the complex crystal structure, which confirms that it crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121. The single-crystal structure is constructed using the unique mononuclear component [ZnLN2°] and supramolecular CH∙∙∙π type interaction, resulting in a 1D structure. The IR, HRMS, and NMR study also support the complex structure. The Zn metal centre has a distorted square pyramidal geometry with τ value of 0.49. The Hirshfeld surfaces and 2D fingerprint confirm predominant H…H (77.9 %) interactions, with minor H…O, H…C, and H…N (5.0 %, 4.9 %, and 0.2 %). DFT calculations employed the B3LYP-D3/Lanl2DZ class of theory. FMO/MEP explains the complex reactivity perspective, while IP (4.71 eV) and low EA (1.11 eV) suit biological applications. The bonding gateway was analysed using NBO/QTAIM-NCI and ELF-LOL plots. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the Trypan blue exclusion method and tested against the DLA cell line, showing effectiveness against the DLA cell and suggesting complex potential as an anticancer agent. Antifungal photodynamic therapy (APDT) explored that ligand and Zn complex have significant activity against C. albicans. Finally, molecular docking simulations substantiate the experimental findings.

High-Throughput Measurement of Single-Fission Yeast Cell Volume Using Fluorescence Exclusion.

Cell volume is a critical parameter for the biology of living species and has an impact on virtually all cellular functions. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the regulation of cell size has been the focus of intense investigation, and mechanisms that couple size control with cell cycle progression have been identified. In fission yeast, cell length at division is generally used as a proxy for determining cell size. However, it only allows for an inaccurate evaluation of this critical parameter and neglects potential changes in cell morphology and diameter, which can strongly impact cell volume. Until recently, one of the major obstacles for studying the complexity of cell size regulation in fission yeast has been the lack of a robust method for high-throughput, direct measurement of single-cell volume. Here, we provide a comprehensive protocol for S. pombe cell volume determination based on the Fluorescence eXclusion method and microfluidics technologies. This approach makes it possible to reliably describe cell volume and its distribution in populations of fission yeast cells.

EVALUATING THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF SILVER AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BIOSYNTHESIZED BY NEOWESTIELLOPSIS PERSICA A1387

In this research, the antimicrobial properties of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) and silver (AgNPs) nanoparticles, synthesized biologically using Neowestiellopsis persica through various methods (such as wet biomass, boiling biomass, supernatant, extracellular polysaccharides, and phycocyanin), were examined against fish pathogens including Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas putida. The nanoparticles were successfully created using all methods and characterized employing techniques like UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was assessed using agar-well diffusion assays, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized to analyze the ultrastructural interactions between the nanoparticles and the pathogens. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via the trypan blue exclusion method. Notably, nanoparticles generated through the boiling-biomass method demonstrated significantly enhanced characteristics. The analysis revealed two distinct populations of AgNPs measuring 78.82 nm (41.2%) and 91.28 nm (45.5%), along with a pronounced absorption peak at 68.6 nm (80.1%) for ZnO NPs. AgNPs exhibited the strongest growth inhibition against Pseudomonas putida and Edwardsiella tarda, whereas ZnO NPs showed the largest inhibition zone against Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila. TEM imagery illustrated the binding of nanoparticles to the outer membranes of Yersinia enterocolitica, compromising their structural integrity. The application of 25 µg/ml of AgNPs and 6.25 µg/ml of ZnO did not lead to significant cell death, but higher concentrations resulted in a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. Ultimately, the findings of this study confirm that the antibacterial and cytotoxic attributes of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles, produced through the biosynthesis of Neowestiellopsis persica A1387, can be leveraged to meet future needs in aquaculture.

Tuberculosis its Prevalence, Complications and Clinical Aspects among the Population of Northern Part of Bihar

Introduction: It is commonly known as death causing disease of reproductive age group people. It is one of the top five death causing disease. It effects upon every age group people. But dangerous impact of tuberculosis occurs on immunocompetent people. There are a number of complications occur only due to one disease that is tuberculosis. it effects almost all organs and impaired their vital functions. Even if we leave death, even after tuberculosis proved to be most dangerous disease. In this study our main aim to explore the aspects, complications and prevalence of genital tuberculosis. In this study we also explore the ancient technics as well as the modern technics and their methods to ruled out the disease and improvement of treatment from ancient time to modern time. Method: This study was carried out between January 22 to April 23. 342 subjects are selected by inclusion and exclusion method. Subjects are classified in to 3 groups according to their physical appearance clinical symptoms and family history. Further patients are again classified in to negative, positive and doubtful negative patients after conducting routine and special investigations. Results: After all pathological investigation we found that 45 (13.1%) subjects have found positive in which 5.8% were male and 7.2 % were female. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is present in different forms and should be ruled out in early stage to safe from tissue damages. But unfortunately, we haven’t any tools which can detect the disease in its early stage accurately. All the investigation has their own limitations and contamination errors. There are a number of patients in which some can easily identified by their clinical symptoms and related routine examination, some are asymptomatic and identified by advanced diagnostic tools where are some such patient are also found who were strong symptomatic but even not only routine but also advance investigations are fail to detect. In our study we found the root cause of the disease, which are high population density, economically lower standard, poor hygiene life style, compromise food habits, illiteracy, marriage in early stage, multiple marriage, multiple children, non- skilled medical practices are causing and enhancing the incident of tuberculosis.

Surface modification of titania nanoparticles with BSA engineered coating: Investigation of antimicrobial and anticancer activities

Intensive investigate in the scientific community focuses on designing and altering nanosystem surfaces with biomolecules to create more biocompatible and stable systems, leveraging their unique structure. The current work reports the synthesis of an ultrafine titania nano-bio-corona system (TNPs-BSA-PyBA) by surface functionalization of titania nanoparticles (TNPs) with 1-pyrene butyric acid (PyBA) coupled with bovine serum albumin (BSA). This biocompatible photocatalytic system was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Visible), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal analysis, zeta potential and fluorescence emission studies. The photocatalytic antimicrobial properties of synthesized TNPs and TNPs-BSA-PyBA system were evaluated against various antibiotic-resistant microbial strains via the well diffusion method, and the result showed that the surface-modified titania nanoparticles showed an enhanced bacteriostatic effect against various bacterial and fungal strains. Also, in vitro cytotoxic studies and cell viability of the TNPs-BSA-PyBA nanocomposite system were studied by the trypan blue exclusion method on Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites cells as well as normal cells. The cytotoxicity investigations demonstrated that the TNPs-BSA-PyBA system selectively targeted and destroyed cancer cells, with the effectiveness varying depending on the dosage.

Human milk feeding practices and serum immune profiles of one-year-old infants in the CHILD birth cohort study

BackgroundBreastfeeding and human milk consumption are associated with immune system development; however, the underlying mechanisms and the impact of different infant feeding practices are unclear. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate how current human milk feeding (HMF) status is related to infant immune biomarker profiles, as well as explore relationships with HMF history (i.e., duration, exclusivity, and method: directly from the breast or pumped and bottled). MethodsThis observational birth cohort study involved 605 infants from the Canadian CHILD Cohort Study. Infant feeding was captured from hospital birth records and parent questionnaires. Ninety-two biomarkers reflecting immune system activity and development were measured in serum collected at 1 y (12.6 ± 1.4 mo) using the Olink Target 96 Inflammation panel. Associations were determined using multivariable regression (adjusted for sex, time until blood sample centrifugation, and study site). ResultsNearly half (42.6%) of infants were still receiving HMF at the time of blood sampling. Compared with non-HMF infants, HMF infants had higher levels of serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21, adjusted standardized β coefficient: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.72), cluster of differentiation 244 (CD244, β: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.50), chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6, β: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.50), and chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20, β: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.42) and lower extracellular newly identified receptor for advanced glycation end-products binding protein (EN-RAGE, β: −0.16; 95% CI: −0.29, −0.03). Among non-HMF infants, serum interleukin 7 (IL-7) had a marginally positive association with past HMF duration (β: 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08) that persisted for ≤5 mo post-HMF cessation. Exclusive HMF duration and HMF method (at 3 mo of age) were not associated with any biomarkers. ConclusionsCurrent HMF status and (to a lesser extent) HMF history are associated with several inflammation-associated biomarkers in 1-y-old infants. These results provide new evidence that HMF impacts immune activity and development and suggest hypotheses about the underlying mechanisms. They also highlight the importance of including current HMF status in immune system–focused infant serum proteomic studies.

Low Testosterone Concentration Improves Colonisation and Viability in the Co-Cultured Goat Spermatogonial Stem Cell With Sertoli Cells.

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) maintain spermatogenesis through self-renewal and differentiation. The proliferation of SSCs in culture systems can provide a valuable source of germ cells. Several studies have investigated new reproductive technologies, including the production of transgenic animals and recombinant proteins secreted from milk in goats. While studies in other species exist, research on goat SSC culture remains limited. We investigated the impact of different testosterone concentrations on the survival and colonisation of cocultured goat SSCs with Sertoli cells. Cells were isolated from immature goats using two-step enzymatic digestion and enriched by differential exclusion method. DMEM/F12 culture medium containing 1% antibiotic and 5% FBS, supplemented with GDNF (20 ng/mL), EGF, bFGF and LIF (10 ng/mL), was used with different testosterone concentrations (0, 60, 120 and 240 μg/mL) and cultured for 10 days. SC subpopulations were confirmed using PGP9.5 immunocytochemistry, and the expression of germ cell markers (ID-4, UCHL-1, THY-1, β1-integrin, BCL6B, VASA, PLZF and OCT-4) was evaluated through RT-PCR. Alkaline phosphatase activity provided additional SSC presence. The survival rate of SSCs after isolation and the number and area of colonies on Days 4, 7 and 10 were measured using an inverted microscope. The presence of PGP 9.5 antigens and germ cell markers (ID-4, UCHL-1, THY-1, β1-integrin, BCL6B, VASA, PLZF and OCT-4) was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. According to the results, the group with 60 μg/mL testosterone had the highest number and area of colonies. The number of colonies in the 60 μg/mL testosterone group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed compared to other groups (p ≥ 0.05). This study suggests that a low testosterone concentration (60 μg/mL) is optimal for goat SSC colonisation and viability in coculture with Sertoli cells, potentially leading to advancements in goat reproductive technologies.

Derivation of Russian-specific reference intervals for complete blood count, iron markers and related vitamins.

This study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for Russian adults for hematological parameters including related iron markers and vitamins. Sources of variation of reference values (RVs) and needs for secondary exclusion were explored for proper derivations of RIs. Following the harmonized protocol of the IFCC Committee on Reference Intervals and Decision Limits (C-RIDL), 506 healthy Russians (age 18-80; 46% male) were recruited. Complete blood counts (CBC) and leukocyte differentials, iron markers, vitamin B12, and folate were measured by Beckman Coulter's analyzers. Sources of variation were analyzed by multiple regression analysis, and ANOVAs, and the need for partitioning RVs was decided accordingly. Two schemes of excluding latent anemia were compared: (1) latent abnormal values exclusion method (LAVE) based on associations among CBC parameters, or (2) explicit exclusion of individuals with either ferritin or iron below the respective lower limit of the manufacturer. RIs were determined by the parametric method using two-parameter Box-Cox formula. Gender-specific RIs were required for most analytes, while age-specific RIs were set only for ferritin in females. A BMI-related increase in RVs was prominently observed for reticulocyte parameters, hence we chose to exclude individuals with BMI>28 kg/m2 when establishing the RIs. The LAVE method was more effective in excluding individuals with latent anemia, than exclusion based on low ferritin and/or iron values. International comparison revealed that Russian RIs featured a lower side shift of platelet counts. Similar to African countries, Russian RIs for total leukocyte and neutrophil counts were lower compared to most of other countries. RIs for the Russian population for 34 hematological and related parameters were established using up-to-date methods proposed by C-RIDL. Reducing the influences of latent anemia and obesity on RIs was crucial for erythrocyte parameters. Low levels of Russian RIs observed for platelet and neutrophil counts need further investigation.

AGRO PRODUCTS EXPORTS OF UKRAINE WITHIN ITS TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES

The aim of the research is to work out the recommendations on the geography of the agricultural products trade of Ukraine under the circumstances of the on-going war through the analysis of the trends and dynamics of the agro exports from Ukraine to the CIS, the agricultural products exports from Ukraine to the CIS countries possible correlation with each other, its direction and level. The data are the values of the agricultural products exports from Ukraine to the CIS countries from 2001 to 2023 included with the special identification of the years 2021-2023 as the year 2001 is the earliest one with the available data, 2021 is the pre-war year and 2023 – the year with the latest data available and the second year of the war. Such methods of scientific research as empirical, comparative and statistical analyses, including data mining, cleaning and processing, methods of correlation measuring like Pearson, Spearman and Kendal correlation tests, the method of exclusion, as well as textual and tabular methods for better data presentation and comparison were used while conducting the research presented in the given article. The conducted research indicated, that the agro exports of Ukraine to the following country – pairs appeared to be positively correlated: 1) Armenia – with Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, 2) Azerbaijan – with Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, 3) Belarus – with Uzbekistan, 4) Georgia – with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, 5) Kazakhstan – with Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, 6) Kyrgyz Republic – with Tajikistan, and 7) Tajikistan – with Turkmenistan.

Diversity and Activity of Bacteria Cultured from a Cup-The Sponge Calyx nicaeensis.

Marine sponges are well-known for hosting rich microbial communities. Sponges are the most prolific source of marine bioactive compounds, which are frequently synthesized by their associated microbiota. Calyx nicaeensis is an endemic Mediterranean sponge with scarce information regarding its (bioactive) secondary metabolites. East Mediterranean specimens of mesophotic C. nicaeensis have never been studied. Moreover, no research has inspected its associated bacteria. Thus, we studied the sponge's bacterial diversity and examined bacterial interspecific interactions in search of a promising antibacterial candidate. Such novel antimicrobial agents are needed since extensive antibiotic use leads to bacterial drug resistance. Bacteria cultivation yielded 90 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). A competition assay enabled the testing of interspecific interactions between the cultured OTUs. The highest-ranked antagonistic bacterium, identified as Paenisporosarcina indica (previously never found in marine or cold habitats), was mass cultured, extracted, and separated using size exclusion and reversed-phase chromatographic methods, guided by antibacterial activity. A pure compound was isolated and identified as 3-oxy-anteiso-C15-fatty acid-lichenysin. Five additional active compounds await final cleaning; however, they are lichenysins and surfactins. These are the first antibacterial compounds identified from either the C. nicaeensis sponge or P. indica bacterium. It also revealed that the genus Bacillus is not an exclusive producer of lichenysin and surfactin.

Bronchial branch tracing navigation in ultrathin bronchoscopy-guided radial endobronchial ultrasound for peripheral pulmonary nodule

BackgroundMost malignant peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) are situated in the peripheral region of the lung. Although the ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) can access these areas, a robust navigation system is essential for precise localisation of these small peripheral PPLs. Since many UTB procedures rely on automated virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN), this study aims to determine the accuracy and diagnostic yield of the manual bronchial branch tracing (BBT) navigation in UTB-guided radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS) procedures.MethodsSingle-centre retrospective study of UTB-rEBUS patients with PPLs smaller than 3 cm over a two year period.ResultsOur cohort consisted of 47 patients with a mean age of 61.6 (SD 9.53) years and a mean target size of 1.91 (SD 0.53) cm. Among these lesions, 46.8% were located in the 6th airway generation, and 78.7% exhibited a direct bronchus sign. Navigation success using BBT was 91.5% based on positive rEBUS identification. The index diagnostic yield was 82.9%, increasing to 91.5% at 12 months of follow-up. Malignant lesions accounted for 65.1% of cases, while 34.9% were non-malignant. The presence of a direct bronchus sign was the sole factor associated with higher navigation success and diagnostic yield. Cryobiopsy outperformed forceps biopsy in non-concentric rEBUS lesions (90.9% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.05), but not in concentric orientated lesions. One pneumothorax occurred in our cohort.ConclusionsBBT as an exclusive navigation method for small PPLs in UTB-rEBUS procedures has proved to be safe and feasible. Combination of UTB with cryobiopsy remains efficient for eccentric and adjacently oriented rEBUS lesions.

Cost-effectiveness of temporary electric fencing for preventing wild boar intrusion into small-scale paddy farmlands

Crop damage by wild boar is a serious problem globally. Temporary electric fences, installed only during periods when the damage occurs, are widely used in Japan to prevent wild boar intrusion. The exclusion method is effective, but the cost burden involved makes considering cost-effectiveness necessary, especially for small-scale paddy rice farmers. Group fences may be used to reduce the cost burden. Although enclosing an area this way is effective, it may lead to free-riding when the scale of the project becomes large. Measures like reducing the number of people involved are suggested, but few indicators exist regarding the appropriate scale of management. Therefore, in Chiba Prefecture, where the distribution of wild boar is expanding, we conducted i) a six-year survey on the amount of damage to paddy rice fields in the Awa region; ii) an evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of temporary electric fences; and iii) an extrapolation of the cost-effectiveness to the entirety of Chiba Prefecture. The results show that the optimal installation length can be calculated by considering the maximum damage area, but without a government subsidy, the fence cost-effectiveness will be low because the installation cost will exceed the maximum damage amount. A group enclosure of small farmlands, which is not currently cost-effective in Chiba Prefecture, is recommended as a management decision for planners and farmers in future damage control plans. Although the empirical data were specific to small-scale farmers in Japan, the validation process was considered broadly applicable.

Unraveling the Role of Li and Mg Substitution in Layered Sodium Oxide Cathodes for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Substituting electrochemically active elements such as Li and Mg in P2-type layered sodium oxide is an effective strategy for developing competitive cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries. However, the lack of atomic-level understanding regarding the distribution of substitution positions complicates the comprehension of the roles of substituting atoms and the mechanism of sodium-ion intercalation. In this study, we identified the stable configurations of Na in Na0.75Ni0.3Mn0.7O2 and Na0.75Li0.15Mg0.05Ni0.1Mn0.7O2 materials using the site exclusion method. Through simulating the complete charging process for both materials, the structure evolution of the cathodes during the cycling and the impact of the partial substitution of Ni elements by Li and Mg atoms were comprehensively elucidated. Our findings revealed that Mg atoms effectively regulate the distribution of forces within the materials, essentially serving as supportive pillars within the cathode. Meanwhile, Li atoms efficiently mitigated electron localization, consequently diminishing volume fluctuations during the charging process. More importantly, the substitution with Li and Mg atoms could synergistically reduce the interaction between transition metals and sodium ions, thereby reducing the diffusion energy barrier of Na ions. This study not only enhances the comprehension of substituted metal atoms in P2 layered oxides but also offers new insights for the development of sodium-ion cathode materials.

The Effects of Different Dosages on Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction's Treatment of Lower Limb Chronic Venous Disease: A Meta-Analysis.

Micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) is a widely prescribed and extensively investigated venoactive drug (VAD). The standard dosage for MPFF is 500 mg administered twice daily. However, a new daily dose of 1000 mg has just been introduced. This study investigated whether a daily dose of 1000 mg MPFF could be implemented and embraced by the public and still has the same therapeutic effects as conventional pharmaceuticals. For this meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Science of Web, Cochrane, and PubMed databases and forward and backward citations for studies published between database inception and March 2023. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of comparison of different dosages of MPFF to evaluate whether there is a significant difference between them were included, without language or date restrictions. Due to the small sample size of the study included, we conducted a simple sensitivity test using a one-by-one exclusion method, and the results showed that the study did not affect the final consolidation conclusion. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Out of 232 studies, 99 were eligible and 39 RCTs had data, all with low to moderate bias. Overall, 1924 patients (experimental group: 967, control group: 957) in 3 RCTs met the criteria. There is no significant difference in patient compliance, efficacy, clinical adverse events, and quality of life scores between MPFF 1000 mg once daily and MPFF 500 mg twice daily (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.049 [0.048, 0.145], p=0.321, risk ratio [RR]: 0.981 [0.855, 1.125], p=0.904, and SMD: 0.063 [0.034, 0.160], p=0.203). In symptomatic chronic venous disease patients, MPFF 1000 mg once daily and MPFF 500 mg twice daily improve patient compliance, lower limb discomfort, clinical adverse events, and quality of life scores similarly. Regular medical care should recommend MPFF 1000 mg daily more often. Micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) is a popular venoactive medication (VAD) in modern medicine.MPFF is effective in treating lower extremity venous problems.Currently, besides conventional 500 mg tablets, there exist alternative dosage forms such as solutions, chewable tablets, and other novel formulations for MPFF.The excessive frequency and amount of medication may have a negative impact on patient adherence.

Motor fuel and core inflation

We ask whether there exists a fixed exclusion method that is simpler to compute than the CPI excluding food and energy, yet also closely tracks the behavior of outlier exclusion measures such as the trimmed mean. We document that the CPI excluding motor fuel achieves both goals.

Association between UCP2 gene 3'UTR I/D and A55V polymorphisms and neural tube defects susceptibility: systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis.

Our study aimed to assess the association between UCP2 gene 3' untranslated region insertion/deletion (3'UTR I/D) and A55V (alanine/valine) polymorphisms and neural tube defects (NTDs) susceptibility. According to pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the article search was conducted to search articles published before October 2023. Two authors independently screened the included articles and extracted their basic characteristics. After quality evaluation, the meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted using RevMan 5.4, Stata/MP 17, and TSA 0.9.5.10 Beta. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on country and case group composition. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using a one-by-one exclusion method. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate publication bias. A total of seven articles were included. Overall meta-analysis revealed significant heterogeneity among the included studies for 3'UTR I/D polymorphism of the UCP2 gene. Significant statistical data indicated that those with the DD genotype and D allele had higher chances of NTD compared to those with the II genotype and the I allele, respectively. The combined result of II vs. ID was not statistically significant. A55V variation showed no statistical significance in the risk of NTD, despite the absence of significant heterogeneity across the included studies. Most of the heterogeneity was resolved after subgrouping, and a higher risk of the ID genotype was found than the II genotype for Chinese people. Genotyping NTD patients or their mothers was not a factor affecting the heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis suggested that positive findings supported our results. The UCP2 gene 3'UTR I/D polymorphism increased the likelihood of developing NTDs in the Chinese population, with the D allele being the risk factor, which contributed to the understanding of the genetic basis of NTDs. TSA indicated that more high-quality original studies were needed in the future for further validation.

Preosteoblast Adhesion and Viability Study of Freeze-Dried Bovine Bone Block Scaffold Coated with Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome.

Combining a three-dimensional scaffold with growth factors before implantation is one method used to increase scaffold bioactivity in bone tissue engineering. The mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-conditioned medium (CM), called secretome, contains many proteins and growth factors required for tissue repair and growth. This study evaluated the bioactivity of a bovine bone scaffold combined with the secretome of human umbilical cord MSCs (hUC-MSCs) by analyzing MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion and viability on the scaffold. This in vitro laboratory study evaluated the effect of hUC-MSC secretome applied to bovine bone scaffolds processed using various techniques on MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion and viability. The three experimental groups included deproteinized bovine bone mineral-secretome (DBBM-CM), freeze-dried bovine bone-secretome (FDBB-CM), and decellularized FDBB-CM, whereas the control group was treated with DBBM alone. The cell adhesion test was performed using the centrifugation method after 6 and 24 hours, whereas the cell viability test was conducted using the trypan blue exclusion method after 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell attachment was visualized after 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and viewed under inverted fluorescence microscopy. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance, followed by a post hoc test in cases of significant differences. Statistical analyses showed significantly greater adhesion of the preosteoblasts to the FDBB-CM scaffold at 6 hours (p = 0.002). The results of the adhesion test at 24 hours and the viability tests at all observation times showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). This study found that the average MC3T3-E1 cell adhesions and viabilities were highest for the FDBB-CM and DBBM-CM scaffolds. DBBM scaffolds with the secretome had better cell adhesion and viability than those without the secretome. The addition of MSC secretome increased bovine bone scaffold bioactivity especially in DBBM and FDBB scaffolds.

Optimization of efficiency of CZTS-based solar cell through exclusive BSF layer engineering method

CZTS (copper-zinc-tin-sulfur) has recently emerged as a capable material for next-generation solar devices due to its abundance and lack of toxicity. In this study, we numerically assess the photovoltaic performance of CZTS solar cells integrated with a Back-Surface Field (BSF) layer, which is a novel approach to enhancing solar cell efficiency. We investigate the impact of various parameters, such as temperature, CZTS layer thickness, acceptor doping concentration, metal work function, and series and shunt resistances, on the electrical properties of the sc. We assess the proposed device structure's performance using ideal values for the absorber layer thickness, buffer layer thickness, and doping concentration with silicon as the BSF(Back-Surface Field) layer. By optimizing the parameters in each layer, we achieve an efficiency of 20.83 %, which is higher than previous reports in the literature. These results provide a foundation for researchers to fabricate highly efficient CZTS solar cell in the future. In summary, our findings demonstrate the potential of CZTS solar cell with a BSF layer to significantly enhance the efficiency of solar devices, and pave the way for further exploration of this technology.

Reliability of predictive models based on the mesiodistal and buccolingual diameters of permanent canine teeth for sex estimation in forensic contexts: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to assess the reliability of predictive models for sex estimation based on permanent canine size. A systematic literature review was performed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Six electronic databases were searched as the primary source of information. As a secondary source of information, a manual search was performed to identify additional relevant studies not captured in the initial search. After assessing the methodological quality and risk of bias with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools for Systematic Reviews, the data were subjected to statistical tests for a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy and Higgin’s I2 statistic to evaluate the heterogeneity between the eligible studies. The systematic search resulted in 21 studies for qualitative synthesis, and 13 of them were selected for quantitative analysis. The analysis of 25 univariate predictive models showed an estimated sensitivity of 77.2 % and specificity of 67.1 %. Meta-regression analyses were performed for dental arch, the type of diameter and dental region outcomes for these univariate predictive models. Dental arch (p = 0.029) and the dental region of measurement (p = 0.001) were significant modifiers. The analysis of 25 multivariate predictive models showed an estimated sensitivity of 82.6 % and specificity of 70.1 %. There were significant methodological limitations and substantial heterogeneity among the included studies. Based on the results, there is insufficient high-quality scientific evidence to support the safe use of predictive models based on permanent canine measurements as the exclusive method for sex estimation in forensic settings.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ART THERAPY UPON STRESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN A SELECTED COMMUNITY, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA

Background: Pregnancy is defined as the period from conception to birth. After the egg is fertilized by a sperm and then implanted in the lining of the uterus, it develops into the placenta and embryo and later into foetus. Pregnancy usually lasts for 40 weeks, beginning from the 1st day of the womens last menstrual period and lasting for 3 months. The changes observed in the system from conception to pregnancy, are principally the following namely- amenorrhoea, morning sickness, fatigue, heart burn, increased salivary discharge, occasionally depravity of appetite , headache, irritability of temper, the pressure of increasing pregnancy, protrusion of umbilicus, sometimes, varicose, swellings of the lower extremities, the breast also enlarge, an areola or brown circle is observed around the nipples and a secretion of lymph, composed of milk and water takes place. There had been over 30 million women who have experienced pregnancy and 27 millions have live births in a whole year in India. It also has been estimated that about 21 million girls aged between 15-19 years in developing regions become pregnant and approximately 12 million of them give birth. Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. It usually happens when a person is in a situation that he or she do not feel like they can manage or control. Stress in pregnancy may lead to higher blood pressure. This puts the pregnant women at risk of serious increased blood pressure, called pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and having a low birth weight infant. Stress may also affect how someone respond to certain situations. There are various reasons which can results stress among pregnant woman. Methods: This chapter deals with the description of research methodology. It is most important in research as it is the framework in conducting study. It indicates general pattern for organizing the procedure together valid and reliable data for investigations. It includes research designs, population and sample, sampling technique, inclusion and exclusion criteria, instruments, data collection and methods of data collection procedure and data analysis plan. Results: Through this study we came to the conclusion that the maximum samples or the pregnant women had somewhat recovered from their increasing level of stress by the interventions of art therapy that was provided to them for fifteen days and also the mean value of the pretest and the post test score is 20.01 and 14.4, respectively.