Twofold Rise Research Articles

Implementation of biological active compound BIO-AP-IRGA: chemical features of enriched yogurt and cottage cheese

The imbalance of micro- and macronutrients is a significant health issue, often due to poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and disruptions in mineral metabolism. To address these challenges, biologically active supplements (BASs) are gaining popularity. In Kazakhstan, the BIO-AP-IRGA dietary supplement, derived from dried saskatoon berry, chokeberry, and whey, was developed to improve local food products. The study explored integrating BIO-AP-IRGA into yogurt and cottage cheese, assessing the impact on their nutritional and chemical properties. Standard analytical methods were used to evaluate the fortified products. The results showed that the addition of BIO-AP-IRGA significantly increased the carbohydrate content, nearly doubling it in yogurt and increasing it by eight times in cottage cheese. Additionally, the polyphenol content increased in both yogurt and cottage cheese; yogurt showed a slight increase, while cottage cheese saw nearly a twofold rise. However, the amino acid content decreased with the increasing amount of BIO-AP-IRGA, showing an inverse relationship. These findings highlight the physicochemical changes that occur when BIO-AP-IRGA is incorporated into dairy products. The supplementation improves the nutritional quality of yogurt and cottage cheese, particularly by enhancing polyphenol and vitamin C levels. This innovation presents an opportunity for the food industry to develop functional dairy products with potential health benefits, addressing nutrient deficiencies and promoting better health

A Novel In Silico-Ex Vivo Model for Correlating Coating Transfer to Tissue with Local Drug-Coated Balloon-Vessel Contact Pressures.

Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) aim to deliver drug-loaded surface coating upon inflation at specific vascular sites, yet the role of inflation pressure remains to be defined. We implement a new approach combining ex vivo stamping experiments with in silico simulations to study acute coating transfer by commercial DCBs. This methodology comprises 3 essential pillars: (I) DCB resin inflation and slicing into cylindrical segments for subsequent stamping onto porcine-excised tissue, (II) Numerical inflation of a full DCB replica in an idealized porcine vessel to predict in vivo interfacial contact pressures (CPs) and subsequent interfacial-level numerical stamping to calculate appropriate benchtop forces that recreate these in vivo CP values, and (III) ex vivo stamping experiments and optical analysis of the stamped surfaces (DCB segment and arterial tissue), using a standard high-resolution camera to visualize coating. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed as a validated assay for quantifying drug in tissue samples post-stamping. HPLC analysis revealed a significant correlation with image processing, confirming the validity of the optical method as a tool to quantify DCB coating. Image and HPLC analysis revealed a statistically significant twofold rise in coating area and drug content to tissue, respectively, when the average CP roughly doubled (0.16-0.35 atm) and a non-statistically significant increase in coating area and drug content with a further rough doubling of average CP (0.35 to 0.75 atm). Imaging of DCB segments pre- and post-stamping showed transfer ofpartial coating thickness at low CP, contrasting with complete transfer at high CP at the same site. 3D confocal images of DCB surfaces revealed variable thickness in the transferred coating. This study introduces a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the efficacy of commercial DCB coating transfer to arterial tissue-a crucial precursor to drug elution studies-while minimizing the number of DCBs needed and improving variable control and realism.

Strength gradient in impact-induced metallic bonding

Solid-state bonding can form when metallic microparticles impact metallic substrates at supersonic velocities. While the conditions necessary for impact-induced metallic bonding are relatively well understood, the properties emerging at the bonded interfaces remain elusive. Here, we use in situ microparticle impact experiments followed by site-specific micromechanical measurements to study the interfacial strength across bonded interfaces. We reveal a gradient of bond strength starting with a weak bonding near the impact center, followed by a rapid twofold rise to a peak strength significantly higher than the yield strength of the bulk material, and eventually, a plateau covering a large portion of the interface towards the periphery. We show that the form of the native oxide at the bonded interface—whether layers, particles, or debris—dictates the level of bond strength. We formulate a predictive framework for impact-induced bond strength based on the evolution of the contact pressure and surface exposure.

Lethal versus surviving sepsis phenotypes displayed a partly differential regional expression of neurotransmitters and inflammation and did not modify the blood–brain barrier permeability in female CLP mice

BackgroundSeptic encephalopathy is frequent but its pathophysiology is enigmatic. We studied expression of neurotransmitters, inflammation and integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in several brain regions during abdominal sepsis. We compared mice with either lethal or surviving phenotype in the first 4 sepsis days. Mature CD-1 females underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Body temperature (BT) was measured daily and predicted-to-die (within 24 h) mice (for P-DIE; BT < 28 °C) were sacrificed together (1:1 ratio) with mice predicted-to-survive (P-SUR; BT > 35 °C), and healthy controls (CON). Brains were dissected into neocortex, cerebellum, midbrain, medulla, striatum, hypothalamus and hippocampus.ResultsCLP mice showed an up to threefold rise of serotonin in the hippocampus, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic and homovanillic acid (HVA) in nearly all regions vs. CON. Compared to P-SUR, P-DIE mice showed a 1.7 to twofold rise of HVA (386 ng/g of tissue), dopamine (265 ng/g) and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC; 140 ng/g) in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and medulla (174, 156, 82 ng/g of tissue, respectively). CLP increased expression of TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA by several folds in the midbrain, cerebellum and hippocampus versus CON. The same cytokines were further elevated in P-DIE vs P-SUR in the midbrain and cerebellum. Activation of astrocytes and microglia was robust across regions but remained typically phenotype independent. There was a similar influx of sodium fluorescein across the BBB in both P-DIE and P-SUR mice.ConclusionsCompared to survivors, the lethal phenotype induced a stronger deregulation of amine metabolism and cytokine expression in selected brain regions, but the BBB permeability remained similar regardless of the predicted outcome.

Incidence, Antibiogram, and Comorbid Conditions of Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infections Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Retrospective, Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: The number of patients with diarrheal diseases admitted to the hospital was reduced during the COVID-19 lockdown. Following the relaxation of the lockdown, admissions of nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) infection showed a two-fold rise compared to pre-COVID-19 years. This retrospective study aimed to detect the incidence of NTS in the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 outbreak periods, along with describing the antibiogram and comorbid conditions of the patients. Materials and Methods: Using a retrospective design, from January 2015 to December 2022, we studied stool samples for the presence of NTS. Antibiogram with ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin were studied. The presence of comorbid conditions was noted. Results: We examined 2312 and 937 stool samples collected during the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 outbreak period, respectively. The number of samples collected during the outbreak (2020) was 273. During the pre-COVID-19 period (2015–2019), the average annual isolation rate of NTS was 5.63%. During the lockdown of 2020, the corresponding rate was 5.49%. The isolation rate showed a significant rise (11.45%) during the relaxation of the lockdown (P &lt; 0.001). No significant change in resistance to antibiotics other than ciprofloxacin was noted in the present study. Malignancy was the leading comorbid condition (11.91%) followed by chronic liver diseases (10.31%). Conclusions: A significant rise in NTS diarrheal cases was detected following the COVID-19 outbreak. During this period, people were attending more celebrations and feasts. No significant change in antibiotic resistance was noted when comparing pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. Malignancy was the leading comorbid condition.

Species distribution, antifungal susceptibility pattern and associated factors of Candida blood stream infections in Sri Lanka from 2018 to 2022

Introduction: Candidemia can be life-threatening in immunocompromised individuals thus, prompt diag-nosis and treatment with antifungal agents is mandatory for successful outcome.Surveillance data on species distribution, antifungal susceptibility and associated factors of candidemia is utmost important to decide on empiric antifungal therapy, to impose infection control measures as well to promote antifungal stewardship in a country.Therefore, this study was aimed at retrospective review of data on candidemia at Mycology Reference Laboratory in Sri Lanka for 5 years duration to identify the species causing candidemia, their antifungal susceptibility pattern and associated factors.Results: A twofold rise in candidemia cases were seen during this 5-year duration compared to previous 7 years (2011-2017). Predominant species causing candidemia was C. tropicalis (35%) followed by C. parapsilosis (33%). C. albicans was the 3rd commonest species causing candidemia in Sri Lanka.There were 3% C. glabrata cases, 2% C. guilliermondii and 1% C. famata and C. krusei cases. Importantly two sequencing confirmed C. auris cases were identified for the first time in Sri Lanka in 2021.Overall good antifungal susceptibility was seen for both fluconazole and amphotericin B and there were only 7%and 1.6% resistance respectively.Long term hospital stay (47%) was commonly seen in this study group followed by use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (24%) and involvement of gastro-intestinal tract (21%).Conclusion: Candida tropicalis is the commonest species causing candidemia in Sri Lanka. Common Candida species had good susceptibility to antifungals. Long term hospital stay was associated with candidemia in majority of patients.

Deciphering dissolved organic matter characteristics and its fate in a glacier-fed desert river—the Tarim river, China

The bioavailable diverse dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in glacial meltwater significantly contributes to downstream carbon cycling in mountainous regions. However, the comprehension of molecular-level characteristics of riverine DOM, from tributary to downstream and their fate in glacier-fed desert rivers remains limited. Herein, we employed spectroscopic and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques to study both optical and molecular-level characteristics of DOM in the Tarim River catchment, northwest China. The results revealed that the DOC values in the downstream were higher than those in the tributaries, yet they remained comparable to those found in other glacier-fed streams worldwide. Five distinct components were identified using EEM-PARAFAC analysis in both tributary and downstream samples. The dominance of three protein-like components in tributary samples, contrasting with a higher presence of humic-like components in downstream samples, which implied that the dilution and alterations of the glacier DOM signature and overprinting with terrestrial-derived DOM. Molecular composition revealed that thousands of compounds with higher molecular weight and increased aromaticity were transformed, generated and introduced from terrestrial inputs during downstream transportation. The twofold rise in polycyclic aromatic and polyphenolic compounds observed downstream compared to tributaries indicated a greater influx of terrestrial organic matter introduced into the downstream during water transportation. The study suggests that the glacier-sourced DOM experienced minimal photodegradations, with limited influence from human activities, while also being shaped by terrestrial inputs during its transit in the alpine-arid region. This unique scenario offers valuable insights into comprehending the fate of DOM originating from glacial meltwater in arid mountainous regions.

Associations of PNPLA3 and LEP genetic polymorphisms with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in Thai people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

The prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing public health issue in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). However, the pathophysiology of MAFLD is still unknown, and the role of genetic variables is only now becoming evident. To evaluate the associations of gene-polymorphism-related MAFLD in PLWH. The study employed transient elastography with a controlled attenuation parameter ≥ 248 dB/m to identify MAFLD in patients from a Super Tertiary Hospital in central Thailand. Candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using TaqMan® MGB probe 5' nuclease assays for seven MAFLD-related genes. Statistical analyses included SNP frequency analysis, Fisher's Exact and Chi-square tests, odds ratio calculations, and multivariable logistic regression. The G-allele carriers of PNPLA3 (rs738409) exhibited a two-fold rise in MAFLD, increasing by 2.5 times in MAFLD with human immunodeficiency virus infection. The clinical features and genetic patterns imply that LEP rs7799039 A-allele carriers had a nine times (P = 0.001) more significant chance of developing aberrant triglyceride among PLWH. The current study shows an association between PNPLA3 rs738409 and LEP rs7799039 with MAFLD in PLWH.

Physiological and biochemical effects of biochar nanoparticles on spinach exposed to salinity and drought stresses.

The utilization of nanobiochar in agricultural practices has garnered substantial interest owing to its promising potential. Its nano-size particles possess an enhanced ability to infiltrate plant cells, potentially instigating biochemical and physiological responses that augment stresstolerance.In our study, we aimed to assess the impact and extent of exogenously applied nanobiochar on the growth dynamics and antioxidative responses in Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach) plants subjected to salt stress (50 mM NaCl) and drought stress (maintained at 60% field capacity)compared with respective controls (0 mM NaCl and 100% field capacity). Following a 15-day exposure to stress conditions, nanobiochar solution (at concentrations of 0, 1, 3, and 5% w/v) was sprayed on spinach plants at weekly intervals (at 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing). The foliar application of nanobiochar markedlyimproved biomass, net assimilation rate, leaf area, and various other growth parameters under drought and salinity stress conditions. Notably, the application of 3% nanobiochar causedthe most significant enhancement in growth traits, photosynthetic pigments, and nutrient content, indicating its efficiency in directly supplying nutrients to the foliage. Furthermore, under drought stress conditions, the application of 3% nanobiochar elicited a notable 62% increase in catalase activity, a two-fold rise in peroxidase activity, and a 128% increase in superoxide dismutase activity compared to the control (without nanobiochar). Additionally, nanobiochar application enhanced membrane stability, evidenced by reduced lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. The foliar application of 3% nanobiochar was foundas a promising strategy to significantly enhance spinach growth parameters, nutrient assimilation, and antioxidative defense mechanisms, particularly under conditions of drought and salinity stress.

Association between urea trajectory and protein dose in critically ill adults: a secondary exploratory analysis of the effort protein trial (RE-EFFORT)

BackgroundDelivering higher doses of protein to mechanically ventilated critically ill patients did not improve patient outcomes and may have caused harm. Longitudinal urea measurements could provide additional information about the treatment effect of higher protein doses. We hypothesised that higher urea values over time could explain the potential harmful treatment effects of higher doses of protein.MethodsWe conducted a reanalysis of a randomised controlled trial of higher protein doses in critical illness (EFFORT Protein). We applied Bayesian joint models to estimate the strength of association of urea with 30-day survival and understand the treatment effect of higher protein doses.ResultsOf the 1301 patients included in EFFORT Protein, 1277 were included in this analysis. There were 344 deaths at 30 days post-randomisation. By day 6, median urea was 2.1 mmol/L higher in the high protein group (95% CI 1.1–3.2), increasing to 3.0 mmol/L (95% CI 1.3–4.7) by day 12. A twofold rise in urea was associated with an increased risk of death at 30 days (hazard ratio 1.34, 95% credible interval 1.21–1.48), following adjustment of baseline characteristics including age, illness severity, renal replacement therapy, and presence of AKI. This association persisted over the duration of 30-day follow-up and in models adjusting for evolution of organ failure over time.ConclusionsThe increased risk of death in patients randomised to a higher protein dose in the EFFORT Protein trial was estimated to be mediated by increased urea cycle activity, of which serum urea is a biological signature. Serum urea should be taken into consideration when initiating and continuing protein delivery in critically ill patients.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03160547 (2017-05-17).

Intensity duration and frequency of Heat wave in different phases of MJO over India

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is an important tropical atmospheric phenomenon that plays a significant role in modulating weather patterns across India. Heat Waves (HW) are extreme weather events that have severe impacts on human health, agriculture, and various socio-economic sectors. This research paper aims to investigate the dynamical relationship between MJO phases, as measured by the Real-time Multivariate MJO (RMM) index, and the occurrence of HW in India, as defined by the Indian Meteorological Department. This paper demonstrated the relationship among three aspects, i.e., intensity, duration, frequency of HW during the different MJO phases. The differential dynamics associated for about two-fold rise in the HW occurrence in the South East, Eastern and North West India in the MJO active phase. Inactive phase witnessed enhancement (suppression) of HW during wet (dry) over the regions. The novel finding of this paper is that, the weaker the MJO, the higher probability of HW occurrence in respective regions depending on the position of the MJO convection center. The maximum duration is observed to be significantly decreased by about 2 days in the active MJO phase over NW and north central parts of the country. It is also inferred from this study that there is a significantly decrease of 0.5 °C in HW intensity during the active wet phase of MJO over the NW India. To explain the linkage of HW with MJO, geopotential height (GPH), wind circulation, velocity potential (VP), sea surface temperature (SST) and outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) composite anomalies have been computed and used in the analysis. It is observed that all these parameters have a direct impact on the evolution, strength and spread of the HW in India. This dynamical study mechanism can be prescribed in the numerical weather prediction models for the improved prediction of such extreme weather events during summer for proactive disaster management.

A comprehensive assessment of yield loss in rice due to surface ozone pollution in India during 2005–2020: A great concern for food security

CONTEXTAbout 60% of the world population relies primarily on rice as their staple food, and India ranks second in terms of global rice production. Studies have shown the adverse impact of surface ozone pollution on agriculture, particularly the yield loss (YL) of major staple crops. OBJECTIVE(i) To assess the bias associated with ozone data used for YL estimation, (ii) to find the uncertainties in ozone exposure/crop-response methods applied for computing YL and (iii) to analyse the spatio-temporal variability of YL in rice due to surface ozone in India for the period 2005–2020 to assess food security of the country. METHODSWe use the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer chemical reanalysis (TCR-2) surface ozone data and the ozone exposure/crop-response functions to compute YL in rice. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSBy using the AOT40 crop-response method, we find a crop production loss (CPL) of about 7.39 million tonnes (Mt) of rice in 2005, which increased to 11.46 Mt. in 2020. The estimated average CPL for the study period is sufficient to feed about 233 million people per year. It also has incurred an economic loss of about $2.92 billion in 2020. SIGNIFICANCEAtmospheric pollution must be reduced to protect crop health and ensure food security, as evidenced by the two-fold rise of YL in rice due to ozone pollution during the past decade in India. This is also applicable to all agrarian economies of the world with high atmospheric pollution; reiterating the global significance of this study.

Novel study on investigating the mechanical, microstructure morphological, and dry sliding wear characteristics of grey cast iron GG25 with copper additions for valve guides in internal combustion engine

Introduction: The performance functionality efficacy of the engine’s valve train assembly is considerably affected by the valve guide. Material selection is impacted by the prolonged operational lifespan of engines, which favours casting and machining materials such as cast iron. The intent of this study is to examine the dry sliding characteristics of GG25 cast iron with copper additives. Discovering the ways in which variations in load and sliding velocity impact wear characteristics is of paramount significance.Methods: The research entailed the examination of wear characteristics across various environmental conditions. Loads were varied at 30 N, 40 N, and 50 N while maintaining a 1 m/s velocity constant. In the same manner, sliding velocities of 0.5 m/s, 1 m/s, and 2 m/s were varied while a constant load of 30 N was maintained. Experimental techniques were carried out at ambient temperature. Throughout the investigations, frictional forces and the coefficient of friction were also determined. The wear mechanisms of samples that had become deteriorated or worn-out were examined by employing a scanning electron microscope when combined with EDX analysis.Results: A rise in the normal load from 30 N to 40 N led to a twofold rise in wear losses, measuring 417 microns as compared with 222 microns previously. The range of wear losses observed at moderate speeds (0.5 m/s–1 m/s) was 133–222 microns. Conversely, the maximum wear loss observed was 1,226 microns at elevated sliding velocities of 2 m/s, in contrast to 617 microns at higher normal loads of 50 N. Additionally, the research discovered that normal load is more pronounced when both loading and speed are moderate, whereas sliding speed becomes more substantial when both are raised, culminating to higher wear losses.Discussions: In summary, the research highlights the considerable effect that normal load and sliding speed have on the prevalence of wear losses. In conditions of moderate loading and velocity, the influence of normal load is more significant. However, as sliding accelerates, it becomes the predominant factor. An analysis of frictional forces as well as the coefficient of friction indicated that under loading conditions of 30 N–50 N, the friction coefficient raised from 0.238 to 0.43. The wear mechanisms, as discerned via scanning electron microscopy and EDX analysis, underscored the considerable impact of increased sliding velocity on wear loss in comparison to conditions of higher loading.

The effect of a harmful algal bloom (Karenia selliformis) on the benthic invertebrate community and the sea otter (Enhydra lutris) diet in eastern Hokkaido.

In recent decades, the locally extinct sea otter (Enhydra lutris lutris) has been recolonizing the coast of eastern Hokkaido. Their diet includes benthic invertebrates such as bivalves, sea urchins, snails, and chitons. In the fall of 2021, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) of Karenia selliformis occurred across Hokkaido's northern and eastern coasts, leading to a massive mortality of sea urchins. This dinoflagellate produces a neurotoxin (gymnodimine) implicated in shellfish poisoning. To determine the effect of the HAB on the marine community, we conducted benthic surveys using SCUBA and visually monitored the prey items of the sea otters in the affected area from 2020 to 2023. Following the HAB, we observed an 82% decrease in benthic sea urchin density (number m2), leading to their complete absence from the diet of sea otters. Conversely, bivalve density increased six-fold, accompanied by a nearly two-fold rise in their percentage in the sea otters' diet. Minimal changes were observed in the density of chitons and snails, with no significant alteration in the sea otters' diet. Despite these changes, the impact of the HAB on otters' dietary preferences was temporary, as the percentage of dietary sea urchins began recovering one year later. Sea otters augmented their diet with bivalves to compensate for the reduced availability of sea urchins during the HAB with no apparent effects on the number of sea otters or their health. Our results highlight the adaptability of sea otters to adjust their diet according to prey availability.

Reflections on the surge in malaria cases after unprecedented flooding in Pakistan-A commentary.

Malaria is a parasitic infection primarily caused by four main species of the genus Plasmodium, that is, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium malariae. It is transmitted through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. It holds the status of one of the leading causes of death in the developing world. Malaria is endemic to Pakistan, and the country experienced the worst floods in its history from April to October 2022. The stagnant flood water served as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, culminating in an alarming spike in malaria cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases reported till August 2022 was more than in the whole year of 2021. There was more than a twofold rise in cumulative cases in 62 high-burden Pakistani Districts in August 2022 as compared to August 2021. This commentary aims to bring this emerging issue to notice and highlight the most effective probable measures to help eliminate and prevent the hazards the current outbreak poses. Rapid planning and execution are needed to ensure the most efficient and rapid elimination of malaria. To educate the general public, the national government must start public awareness efforts in electronic, print, and social media and deploy solar-powered mobile healthcare units to far-flung areas. Prophylactic and postexposure treatments should be planned because larvicidal preventive measures are less practical in flood-affected vicinities. The most effective preventive strategy is drug prophylaxis, followed by insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and untreated nets. Scientists should intensify their investigations for effective medications to alleviate the malaria burden in Pakistan.

A Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer’s Disease its Pathogenesis, Epidermiology, Diagnostics and Treatment

The global impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is significant. The current prevalence of Major Neurocognitive Disorder is estimated to affect approximately 44 million individuals. Presently, the United States harbors a population of approximately 6.2 million individuals who are afflicted by Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. It is of significance to highlight that mortality associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exceeds the combined mortality rates of both breast cancer and prostate cancer. Based on the findings of the National Institute on Aging, the frequency of Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits a twofold rise every five years subsequent to attaining the age of 65. Furthermore, with the ongoing process of population aging, an increasingly substantial portion of the population is affected by this particular condition. Based on forecasts, it is anticipated that the United States will experience a financial impact of $355 billion in 2021 as a result of Alzheimer's disease (AD).&#x0D; Furthermore, same projections indicate that this amount is expected to increase significantly to over $1.5 trillion by the year 2050. As a result, this would place a significant financial strain on the country. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that is distinguished by the existence of extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated τ-protein. The aforementioned abnormal characteristics primarily present themselves inside the cortical and limbic regions of the human brain. The aforementioned ailment is characterized by the presence of memory impairment and a progressive deterioration of neurocognitive abilities. The atypical division of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-secretases and γ-secretases leads to the production of Aβ40 and Aβ42 individual molecules, which then undergo the process of oligomerization and aggregation, finally culminating in the formation of senile plaques. The aforementioned disease is additionally aggravated by pathogenic microorganisms, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).&#x0D; Moreover, within the framework of disease pathophysiology, the presence of heightened amounts of Aβ peptides within the central nervous system induces the infiltration of microglial cells. Presently, there exists a notable focus within the realm of scientific inquiry on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the pathological nature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by means of exploring diverse pathways.&#x0D; These mechanisms include the abnormal metabolism of tau proteins, the presence of β-amyloid, the inflammatory response, as well as the damage caused by cholinergic dysfunction and free radicals. The ultimate objective of this research is to develop efficacious treatments that can effectively halt or alter the progression of AD. The present study provides an analysis of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, as well as an examination of the diagnostic methods employed in its identification. Furthermore, the review explores the many therapy modalities now utilized in managing this neurodegenerative disorder.

Histopathologic Validation of Stress T1 Mapping in Myocardial Ischemia: Another Step toward Clinical Translation?

Histopathologic Validation of Stress T1 Mapping in Myocardial Ischemia: Another Step toward Clinical Translation?

Online Learning and Its Short-term Impact on Digital Engagement and Digital-related Health Symptoms Amongst University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a rapid shift of learning and education from traditional means to digital platforms. This paper aims to examine the impact of online learning on digital engagement and digital-related health symptoms among university students one year into the coronavirus pandemic. Methods: Data was collected through a self-administered online questionnaire after ethical approval. The questionnaire was adapted from the previously published Lifestyle Study in Youth Questionnaire. Through the questionnaire, the perception of students toward online learning was probed and recorded. Digital engagement and digital-related health symptoms were compared before and during the COVID-19 lockdown. Results: The majority (97.5%) of respondents preferred face-to-face learning. The time spent on digital devices was 1.8 times higher during COVID-19 than before the COVID-19 lockdown (t-test = -18.86, p&lt;0.0001). The total hours of sleep were reduced during COVID-19 lockdown (0.6 hours lesser) (t-test = -3.92, p&lt;0.0001). The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test revealed significant changes in digital-related health symptoms (15 out of 17) due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Digital eye strain, dry eye syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and upper quadrant postural and muscle strain emerged (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Most university students favoured face-to-face learning compared to online learning. There was a two-fold rise in digital engagement during the COVID-19 lockdown. As a result, it has seemed to translate into reduced sleeping hours. The short-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic on digital-related health symptoms amongst university students was apparent. The long-term effects require further investigations to facilitate fact-based decision-making.

SERRATIA MARCESCENS STRAIN FA-4 ENHANCES ZINC CONTENT IN RICE GRAINS BY ACTIVATING THE ZINC TRANSLOCATING ENZYMES

Zinc deficiency in cereal crops is a significant issue for human health. Rice, being a staple food crop, could cause severe zinc deficiency. The use of zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) is an ecological tactic to raise bioavailable zinc in the soil that may alleviate yield loss and, subsequently, enhance the nutritional value of rice. In the presented study, treating rice plants with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria S. marcescens FA-4 along with the recommended dose of chemical Zn and half dose of chemical Zn ensued under pot and field conditions at the COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan. The obtained data indicated an augmentation in rice growth, yield, and grain zinc content in response to the S. marcescens FA-4 inoculation with and without the chemical Zn application. The S. marcescens FA-4 significantly enhanced the grain zinc content (21.4–27.7 mg kg-1) under the pot and (18.7–30.1 mg kg-1) under field conditions, with 1.5 to twofold rise in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity in rice compared with the control. The rice plants treated with zinc solubilizing bacteria, followed by zinc treatments gave higher grain yields of 23.4–34.1 g pot-1 and 3.2–3.6 t ha−1 in rice cultivars, Basmati 385 and Super Basmati. The S. marcescens FA-4 with a half dose of chemical Zn also increased the zinc translocation index (1.4 to 1.7) toward grains. Consistency in the performance of zinc solubilizing bacteria occurred in the pot and field conditions. Hence, a conclusion that the use of zinc solubilizing strains is an efficient approach to enhance the zinc content of rice grains and combat the problem of zinc deficiency in humans.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a prominent cause of death worldwide. As indicated by the high proportion of COVID-19 suspicion or diagnosis among patients who had OHCA, this issue could have resulted in multiple fatalities from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurring at home and being counted as OHCA. Methods: We used the MeSH term "heart arrest" as well as non-MeSH terms "out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, sudden cardiac death, OHCA, cardiac arrest, coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)." We conducted a literature search using these search keywords in the Science Direct and PubMed databases and Google Scholar until 25 April 2022. Results: A systematic review of observational studies revealed OHCA and mortality rates increased considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period of the previous year. A temporary two-fold rise in OHCA incidence was detected along with a drop in survival. During the pandemic, the community's response to OHCA changed, with fewer bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPRs), longer emergency medical service (EMS) response times, and worse OHCA survival rates. Conclusions: This study's limitations include a lack of a centralised data-gathering method and OHCA registry system. If the chain of survival is maintained and effective emergency ambulance services with a qualified emergency medical team are given, the outcome for OHCA survivors can be improved even more.