One-Year Outcomes of Transurethral Treatment of Bladder Neck Stenosis Following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate. Results from a Large, Multicenter Series.

Purpose: To assess management and outcomes of bladder neck stenosis (BNS) post-transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in 12 centers. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent transurethral BN incision for stenosis following TURP from January 2015 and January 2023 was performed. Inclusion criteria included endoscopic diagnosis of BNS associated with obstruction and/or lower urinary tract symptoms. Data are presented as median and interquartile range. Two distinct univariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with overall urinary incontinence and recurrent stenosis. Results: Three hundred and seventy-two men were included. 95.2% of patients developed BNS following bipolar TURP. 21.0% of patients were on an indwelling catheter before BNS incision. Bipolar electrocautery was the most commonly employed energy for incision (66.5%). Collings knife was the most commonly employed (61.2%) instrument for incision, followed by end-firing holmium lasering (35.3%). Median operation time was 30 (25-45) minutes. The overall complication rate was 12.4%, with 19 (5.1%) patients suffering from acute urinary retention, 6 (1.6%) patients requiring prolonged irrigation due to persistent hematuria, and a surgical hemostasis was necessary in 8 cases (2.2%). Overall postoperative incontinence rate was 17.2%, with urge incontinence accounting for the most common type (45.3%). Incontinence lasted more than 3 months in 9/46 (14.3%) patients. Recurrent BNS occurred in 29 (7.8%) patients and was managed by re-endoscopic incision in 21 (5.6%) patients and dilatation only in 6 (1.6%) patients. Two (0.5%) patients underwent urethroplasty for recalcitrant stenosis. Logistic regression analysis showed that Collings knife was associated with higher odds of having postoperative incontinence (OR 3.93 95% CI 1.45-11.13, p=0.008) and BN recurrence (OR 3.589 95% CI 1.157-15.7, p=0.047). Conclusion: Transurethral BN incision provides satisfactory short-term results with an acceptable rate of complications.

Ultrasonic-assisted green extraction and incorporation of Spirulina platensis bioactive components into turmeric essential oil-in-water nanoemulsion for enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

The utilization of essential oils as natural antioxidants and preservatives is limited by high volatility, poor water solubility, and long-term instability. To address this, a novel ultrasonic-assisted method was used to prepare and stabilize a nanoemulsion of turmeric essential oil-in-water, incorporating bioactive components extracted from Spirulina platensis. Ultrasonic treatment enhanced the extraction efficacy and nanoemulsion stability. Algal biomass subjected to ultrasonic treatment (30 min at 80% amplitude) yielded a dry extract of 73.66 ± 3.05%, with the highest protein, phenolic, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin content, as well as maximum emulsifying activity. The resulting nanoemulsion (5% oil, 0.3% extract, 10 min ultrasonic treatment) showed reduced particle size (173.31 ± 2.24 nm), zeta potential (-36.33 ± 1.10 mV), low polydispersity index, and enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Rheology analysis indicated shear-thinning behavior, while microscopy and spectroscopy confirmed structural changes induced by ultrasonic treatment and extract concentration. This initiative developed a novel ultrasonic-assisted algal-based nanoemulsion with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Literature on the Impact of Diet on Oral Health.

The complex connection between oral health and dietary habits is fundamental to holistic well-being. Oral health is closely linked to dietary choices, both as a reflection and a factor in overall health. This bibliometric analysis investigates clinical trials published in the PubMed database spanning six decades to understand the landscape of research on the impact of diet on oral health. The analysis reveals a fluctuating yet generally increasing trend over the decades, with significant growth periods interspersed with occasional declines, culminating in a recent slight decrease in research output. With strong collaborative networks, Devizio and Proskin emerge as primary contributors. The University of Sydney has published the maximum number of clinical trials. Thematic clusters highlight diverse research facets, including physiological measurements, socio-economic influences, and biochemical aspects. The evolution in research priorities from experimental studies to longitudinal evaluations underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The analysis of country-wise research output revealed that the United States, Germany, and Australia lead in scientific research output, with notable contributions to the global landscape. While larger countries like China and India are represented, their frequencies are relatively lower, suggesting potential areas for further exploration. Collaboration patterns vary between countries, influencing the global impact of their scientific output. Despite the limitations inherent in database selection, this study integrates bibliometric and thematic analyses to offer comprehensive insights into research trends and priorities.

Pelvic fracture urethral injury in adolescents - Predictors of outcomes and surgical complexity.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) is more severe in younger individuals. The adolescent group is prone to protracted morbidity due to severity of the injury and its impact on lifestyle. Hence, treatment options and data on outcomes are crucial in planning management. The adolescents are a subgroup in several series of PFUI, but literature exclusively studying this group is sparse. MATERIALS & METHODS: A retrospective review of all adolescents (aged between 10 and 19 years as defined by WHO) who underwent surgical repair for PFUI between January 2005 and December 2019 was conducted. Success was defined as a bell-shaped urine flow curve and Qmax of >15 ml/s, no evidence of re-stricture (on cystoscopy/MCU), and no re-intervention. Measurements of the length of the urethral defect and bulbar urethra were done using a digital scale by the radiologist from micturating cystourethrogram (MCU). The Gapometry/Urethrometry (GU) index was calculated as the ratio of the length of the urethral defect to that of the bulbar urethra. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 20.0 and Stata Version 16. The primary outcome was the success of anastomotic urethroplasty. Secondary outcomes were evaluating factors predicting operative complexity (simple perineal versus elaborate perineal approach). RESULTS: We studied 22 patients, out of which 8 were referred following prior failed intervention elsewhere. The mean age was 16.5 + 2.7 years. All the patients were treated using a perineal approach with an overall success rate of 90.9%. Two patients had a failure and were managed with Endoscopic Internal Urethrotomy (EIU), and urethral dilatation. The median follow-up was 24 months. All 8 patients with prior failed interventions had a successful outcome. Twelve patients required inferior pubectomy (elaborate perineal approach). The median length of the urethral defect (2.3 cm IQR- 1.45,3.30 vs. 1 cm, IQR-0.65, 1.6) and the mean GU index (0.45 ± 0.18 cm vs. 0.25 cm ± 0.12 cm) were significantly higher in those who required an elaborate perineal approach. CONCLUSIONS: The perineal approach for surgical repair (anastomotic urethroplasty) of pelvic fracture urethral injury has a favourable success rate of 90.9% in adolescents. Re-do anastomotic urethroplasty for prior failed repairs also had a high success rate of 100%. Cases requiring an elaborate perineal approach were associated with a significantly higher Gapometry/Urethrometry Index (>0.45) and length of the urethral defect (>2.3 cm). This information may assist in patient counselling and preparation for additional steps during repair.

Survival outcomes of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for nonseminomatous germ cell tumors: A retrospective cohort study from a single tertiary center in South India.

Introduction: Chemotherapy, postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND), and metastasectomy remain the standard of care for the management of advanced nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). Methods: We retrospectively studied 73 patients who had pcRPLND at a single tertiary-care center (2003-2022). Surgical and clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes are presented. Results: The mean age was 28.27 years (15-48). Three-fourths had Stage III disease at diagnosis. International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group risk stratification was 54.54% and 21.21% in intermediate risk, and poor risk, respectively. Sixty-two patients had Standard, 7 had Salvage and 4 underwent Desperation pcRPLND. Eleven patients (15.06%) required adjunctive procedures. Thirteen patients (17.8%) had ≥ class 3 Clavien-Dindo complications and postoperative mortality occurred in 5 (6.8%) patients. The histopathologies (HPE) of the pcRPLNDs were necrosis, teratoma, and viable tumor in 39.7%, 45.2%, and 15.1%, respectively. Seven patients underwent metastasectomy. An 85% size reduction in the size of RPLN predicted necrosis. There was 71.4% concordance between pcRPLND and metastasectomy HPEs. The median follow-up was 26.72 months (inter-quartile range - 13.25-47.84). The 2-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI]-83%-97%) and the overall survival (OS) rate was 90% (95% CI-80%-95%). This is the largest series of pcRPLND for NSGCT in India to our knowledge. Conclusion: Although most of the cohort belonged to stage III, an RFS and OS rate of >90% at 2 years was achieved. We believe that successful management of postchemotherapy residual masses in NSGCT is contingent on the availability of multidisciplinary expertise and is therefore best done at tertiary-care referral centers.

Clinical study of steroid receptors in nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer: A domain worth revisiting.

Introduction: The prognostic significance of steroid receptors in bladder cancer remains controversial. This study was designed to determine the expression status of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors (ERα and Erß), and its potential role in predicting survival in patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Methods: Sixty patients of NMIBC were screened and 57 (41 males and 16 females) were included in our study. The tissue microarray slides were evaluated by pathologists blinded to the clinical information. Association of distribution of steroid receptors with stage, grade, progression, and recurrence was seen. Results: The mean age of the population was 60.9 ± 9.3 years. Pathologically, majority of the patients were Ta (Ta: T1 stage 61.4% vs. 38.6%). Nine (15.8%) of the tumors stained positive for AR while one (1.8%) tumor stained positive for ERα and 36 (63.2%) tumors stained for ERß. A higher proportion of male NMIBC stained positive for AR (19.5% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.420) while ERß positivity was higher in females (58.5% vs. and 75%,P = 0.247). AR-negative tumors showed higher recurrence (20/48%-42%) as compared to AR-positive tumors (2/9%-22%). ERß-positive tumors showed higher recurrence (15/36%-42% vs. 7/21%-33%, P = 0.179). Progression-free survival (PFS) was found to be significantly lower for ERß-negative group (log-rank test P = 0.035). Conclusion: AR and ERß positivity is found in NMIBC patients while ERα shows minimal staining in NMIBC patients. Although it did not reach a statistical significance, a higher proportion of AR-negative and ERß-positive tumors recurred as compared to AR-positive and ERß-negative patients. PFS was significantly lower in ERß-negative group. Further exploratory studies on larger sample sizes are required to validate these findings in NMIBC patients.

Sizzled (frzb3) physically interacts with non-canonical Wnt ligands to inhibit gastrulation cell movement.

The coordinated movement of germ layer progenitor cells reaches its peak at the dorsal side, where the Bmp signaling gradient is low, and minimum at the ventral side, where the Bmp gradient is high. This dynamic cell movement is regulated by the interplay of various signaling pathways. The non-canonical Wnt signaling cascade serves as a pivotal regulator of convergent and extension cellular movement, facilitated by the activation of small GTPases such as Rho, Rab, and Rac. However, the underlying cause of limited cell movement at the ventral side remains elusive. To explore the functional role of a key regulator in constraining gastrulation cell movement at the ventral side, we investigated the Bmp4-direct target gene, sizzled, to assess its potential role in inhibiting non-canonical Wnt signaling. In our current study, we demonstrated that ectopic expression of sizzled led to gastrulation defects in a dose-dependent manner, without altering cell fate specification. Overexpression of sizzled resulted in decreased elongation of Activin-treated animal cap and Keller explants. Furthermore, our immunoprecipitation assay unveiled the physical interaction of Sizzled with non-canonical Wnt ligand proteins (Wnt5 and Wnt11). Additionally, the activation of small GTPases involved in Wnt signaling mediation (RhoA and Rac1) was diminished upon sizzled overexpression. In summary, our findings suggest that Bmp4 signaling negatively modulates cell movement from the ventral side of the embryo by inducing sizzled expression during early Xenopus gastrulation.

Poor Glycemic Control Affecting Screening of Prostate Carcinoma.

Introduction Diabetes and cancer are commonly linked together. The possible links include insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation. These are factors that have potential promoting effects on the progression of cancer in many ways. Measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is widely applied for early detection of prostate cancer. However, several factors influence serum PSA levels in men including age, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and body mass index (BMI). The risk of several malignancies is increased in diabetes but the risk of prostate carcinoma in diabetic patients is reduced secondary to lowering of testosterone levels during the state of hyperinsulinemia. A negative association between serum PSA levels and metformin use is also an explanation of low cancer prostate incidence with diabetes. Objective The study aims to evaluate the PSA levels in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control i.e., glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7%) vs good glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%). Materials and methods Samples of PSA in diabetic patients collected in the Department of Biochemistry at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, were included. The observational study was carried out on clinically diagnosed 318 cases of diabetes attending both the outpatient and inpatient Department, IGIMS, Patna. Six ml venous blood samples were collected from patients after obtaining informed consent and ethical clearance. Patient details regarding age, complete clinical details, and general physical examinations were recorded. Serum levels of PSA, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c were analyzed and values were compared. The serum level of PSA was estimated by the chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) method on an automated immunoassay analyzer in the Department of Biochemistry, maintaining all the quality control precautions using a control, calibrator, and reagent kit. HbA1c estimation was by chromatography technique. Fasting plasma glucose was estimated using the hexokinase method on an automated chemistry analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago). The median and interquartile range were calculated for numerical variables. Covariance analysis was used in the comparisons among groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to detect the comparison between the two groups. Significance was determined by the P value. P value<0.05 was considered significant. Result Serum PSA value was found to be higher in (the good glycemic control group) with a median of 0.99 with an interquartile range of 3.14, than in (the bad glycemic control group) with a median of 0.49 with an interquartile range of 3.9, and the difference is statistically significant. The difference is also statistically significant in the subgroup (i) with PSA value <4 ng/ml. In subgroups (ii) and (iii), PSA values 4 ng/ml-8 ng/ml and PSA values >8 ng/ml respectively, no significant differences were found. Conclusion It was found that serum prostate-specific antigen levels have been lower in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control than in good glycemic control. Future studies with a larger sample size and detailed information on diabetes duration and management are recommended.

Red Cell Distribution Width and Mean Corpuscular Volume Alterations: Detecting Inflammation Early in Occupational Cement Dust Exposure.

Introduction Cement dust emitted during cement manufacture consists of toxic components. Occupational cement dust exposure may cause inflammation in the human body, which may be detected early by observing changes in blood parameters such as red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Objectives The study aims to observe the effect of occupational cement dust exposure on RDW and MCV. Methods This study was performed in the Department of Physiology of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and a factory in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, from September 2017 to August 2018. Ninety-two participants between 20 and 50 years were included (46 subjects were occupationally exposed to cement dust, and 46 were not exposed to cement dust). A pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. An independent sample t-test was used to analyze basic information, such as blood pressure and BMI. The multivariate regression model was used to analyze the effect of cement dust exposure on the study group. The impact of cement dust exposure duration was analyzed using the multivariate regression model. The level of significance was p < 0.05. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA-15 (StataCorp, College Station, TX), and the graphical presentation used GraphPad Prism v8.3.2. Results The cement dust-exposed participants had a significantly higher value of MCV by 1.19 fi (95% CI = 0.02, 4.84; p = 0.049) and a 5.92% increase in RDW (95% CI = 5.29, 6.55; p < 0.001) than that of the control group. Conclusion The study reveals that exposure to cement dust causes significant changes in RDW and MCV. These changes may indicate hemolysis due to inflammation.

Silicon regulates phosphate deficiency through involvement of auxin and nitric oxide in barley roots.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Silicon application mitigates phosphate deficiency in barley through an interplay with auxin and nitric oxide, enhancing growth, photosynthesis, and redox balance, highlighting the potential of silicon as a fertilizer for overcoming nutritional stresses. Silicon (Si) is reported to attenuate nutritional stresses in plants, but studies on the effect of Si application to plants grown under phosphate (Pi) deficiency are still very scarce, especially in barley. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to investigate the potential role of Si in mitigating the adverse impacts of Pi deficiency in barley Hordeum vulgare L. (var. BH902). Further, the involvement of two key regulatory signaling molecules--auxin and nitric oxide (NO)--in Si-induced tolerance against Pi deficiency in barley was tested. Morphological attributes, photosynthetic parameters, oxidative stress markers (O2·-, H2O2, and MDA), antioxidant system (enzymatic--APX, CAT, SOD, GR, DHAR, MDHAR as well as non-enzymatic--AsA and GSH), NO content, and proline metabolism were the key traits that were assessed under different treatments. The P deficiency distinctly declined growth of barley seedlings, which was due to enhancement in oxidative stress leading to inhibition of photosynthesis. These results were also in parallel with an enhancement in antioxidant activity, particularly SOD and CAT, and endogenous proline level and its biosynthetic enzyme (P5CS). The addition of Si exhibited beneficial effects on barley plants grown in Pi-deficient medium as reflected in increased growth, photosynthetic activity, and redox balance through the regulation of antioxidant machinery particularly ascorbate-glutathione cycle. We noticed that auxin and NO were also found to be independently participating in Si-mediated improvement of growth and other parameters in barley roots under Pi deficiency. Data of gene expression analysis for PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1 (HvPHT1) indicate that Si helps in increasing Pi uptake as per the need of Pi-deficient barley seedlings, and also auxin and NO both appear to help Si in accomplishing this task probably by inducing lateral root formation. These results are suggestive of possible application of Si as a fertilizer to correct the negative effects of nutritional stresses in plants. Further research at genetic level to understand Si-induced mechanisms for mitigating Pi deficiency can be helpful in the development of new varieties with improved tolerance against Pi deficiency, especially for cultivation in areas with Pi-deficient soils.

Optical fiber immunosensors based on surface plasmon resonance for the detection of Escherichia coli.

Every year, millions of people suffer some form of illness associated with the consumption of contaminated food. Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in the intestines of humans and other animals, is commonly associated with various diseases, due to the existence of pathogenic strains. Strict monitoring of food products for human consumption is essential to ensure public health, but traditional cell culture-based methods are associated with long waiting times and high costs. New approaches must be developed to achieve cheap, fast, and on-site monitoring. Thus, in this work, we developed optical fiber sensors based on surface plasmon resonance. Gold and cysteamine-coated fibers were functionalized with anti-E. coli antibody and tested using E. coli suspensions with concentrations ranging from 1 cell/mL to 105 cells/mL. An average logarithmic sensitivity of 0.21 ± 0.01 nm/log(cells/mL) was obtained for three independent assays. An additional assay revealed that including molybdenum disulfide resulted in an increase of approximately 50% in sensitivity. Specificity and selectivity were also evaluated, and the sensors were used to analyze contaminated water samples, which verified their promising applicability in the aquaculture field.

"Seven-Plus-One Model": A Move Toward Dengue Free Community.

Dengue is a wide spectrum of diseases creating menace in the community. This vector-born disease alone has a significant impact on global public health and the economy. Resources need to be mobilized to tackle the situation. The present article focused on the novice concept of "Seven-Plus-One models" as an approach to dengue prevention with vector management through community participation. A multidisciplinary approach along with exemplifying effective methods of inspectorial coordination and community participation is much required. The implementation of the Seven-Plus-One model has a positive impact on reducing dengue cases, indicating acceptance and effectiveness of the concept among the public. Dengue morbidity rate can be reduced through early detection and mobilizing the community for active participation in dengue prevention and control.

Multi-function sensing applications based on high Q-factor multi-Fano resonances in an all-dielectric metastructure.

A multi-function sensor based on an all-dielectric metastructure for temperature and refractive index sensing simultaneously is designed and analyzed in this paper. The structure is composed of a periodic array of silicon dimers placed on the silicon dioxide substrate. By breaking the symmetry of the structure, the ideal bound states in the continuum can be converted to the quasi-bound states in the continuum, and three Fano resonances are excited in the near-infrared wavelength. Combining with the electromagnetic field distributions, the resonant modes of three Fano resonances are analyzed as magnetic dipole, magnetic toroidal dipole, and electric toroidal dipole, respectively. The proposed sensor exhibits an impressive maximal Q-factor of 9352, with a modulation depth approaching 100%. Our investigation into temperature and refractive index sensing properties reveals a maximum temperature sensitivity of 60 pm/K. Regarding refractive index sensing, the sensitivity and figure of merit are determined to be 279.5 nm/RIU and 2055.1 RIU-1, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the all-dielectric metastructure for simultaneous multi-parameter measurements. The sensor's versatility suggests promising applications in biological and chemical sensing.

Self-reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among health professions students in India.

Studies focusing on the safety and common side effects of vaccines play a crucial role in enhancing public acceptance of vaccination. Research is scarce regarding the usage of COVID-19 vaccines and the side effects experienced by health professions students in India and other countries. This study aimed to document self-reported side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental students of six medical and dental colleges and teaching hospitals in four states (Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal) of India. A cross-sectional survey using purposive sampling of medical and dental students was conducted from 26 April to 26 May 2021. Data was collected using a Google Forms questionnaire capturing information regarding receiving COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and symptoms, onset and duration of symptoms, use of treatment to alleviate symptoms, awareness of haematologic risks associated with vaccination, and side effects from previous (non-COVID-19) vaccinations. The majority (94.5%) of participants received both doses of the Covishield/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Among participants (n = 492), 45.3% (n = 223) reported one or more side effects. The most frequently reported side effects were soreness of the injected arm (80.3%), tiredness (78.5%), fever (71.3%), headache (64.1%), and hypersomnia (58.7%). The two most common severe symptoms were fever (14.8%) and headache (13%). Most side effects appeared on the day of vaccination: soreness of the injection site (57%), fever (43.1%), and tiredness (42.6%). Most reported symptoms persisted for one to three days-soreness of the injection site (53%), fever (47.1%), and headache (42.6%). Logistic regression showed that women were almost 85% less likely to report side effects. The study's findings corroborate the safety of the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine's first dose, evidenced by the relatively minor and transient nature of the side effects. However, the study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to assess the long-term impacts of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in the context of booster doses, thereby contributing to the global understanding of vaccine safety and efficacy.

The Interplay Between Diabetes and Oral Health: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials (1967-2024).

Recognizing the complex interaction between diabetes and oral health is crucial, considering the increasing worldwide prevalence of these conditions. This bibliometric analysis delves into the extensive body of literature concerning the impact of diabetes on oral health, utilizing data retrieved from PubMed. The publishing trends indicate a growing research interest in the field over time, with notable peaks and declines. Coauthorship analyses of authors and institutions illuminated collaborative networks within the research community. Two departments at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran, namely the Department of Periodontology within the School of Dentistry and the Diabetes Research Center within the Health Research Institute, demonstrated the highest total link strength. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords also unveiled thematic clusters, reflecting research focus areas and evolving trends. The analysis of topic trends highlighted persistent research interests in topics, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycated hemoglobin, periodontitis, and therapy for chronic periodontitis, with shifts in therapeutic modalities investigated. The thematic map suggests that dental implants and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are emerging terms in the field that have gained more traction recently. Furthermore, the analysis of scientific production by country indicated varied contributions, with Brazil leading in publication output. Analysis of collaboration among corresponding authors' countries identified Italy exhibiting substantial international collaboration, while most of the countries primarily produced single-country publications. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the multifaceted landscape of research on diabetes and oral health, emphasizing ongoing efforts to understand and address the complex interplay between these conditions.

Eugenol and Aloe vera blended natural wax-based coating for preserving postharvest quality of Kaji lemon (Citrus jambhiri).

Edible coatings on fruits and vegetables preserve postharvest quality by reducing water loss and lowering respiration, and metabolic activities. The primary objectives of this study were to develop composite coating formulations using natural waxes (carnauba and shellac wax), eugenol nanoemulsion, and Aloe vera gel, and assess the potential impacts of the coating formulations on the postharvest quality and shelf-life of the Kaji lemon. The results show that eugenol nanoemulsion and Aloe vera gel enhanced the physico-chemical, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the developed coating. Notably, the fruits coated with optimized nanocomposite of wax with eugenol and aloe vera gel inclusion (SW + CW/EuNE-20/AVG-2) showed the lowest weight loss (16.56%), while the coatings of wax with only aloe vera gel (SW + CW/AVG-2) exhibited the highest firmness (48 N), in contrast to the control fruit, which had 27.33% weight loss and 9.6 N firmness after 28 days of storage, respectively.

Probing the thermoelectric properties of aluminium-doped copper iodide.

Copper iodide, an environmentally friendly material abundant in nature, holds great significance for room temperature thermoelectric (TE) applications owing to its high Seebeck coefficient and optical transparency. However, to fully unlock its thermoelectric potential and match the performance of conventional TE materials, there is a need to further enhance its electrical conductivity. In this study, we have successfully synthesized nano-crystalline powders of both undoped and aluminium-doped CuI at room temperature using the chemical precipitation method in an ethanol medium. The concentration of aluminium dopant has been optimized to maximize TE performance. At 400 K, the highest TE power factor and figure of merit achieved are 79 µW m-1 K-2 and 0.08, respectively, for CuI doped with 0.1 mol% Al. This enhancement in TE properties can be attributed to the increased carrier density resulting from aluminium doping. The impact of aluminium doping on the temperature-dependent thermal conductivity has been investigated, and the findings are explained by the decay mechanism of optical phonons, supported by the anharmonic phonon coupling theory. Our work delves into the evolution of structural, thermal, optical, and TE properties of CuI upon aluminium (Al) doping. The results provide valuable insights into the future application of CuI in transparent thermoelectric and optoelectronic fields.

Preanalytical Errors in Clinical Laboratory Testing at a Glance: Source and Control Measures.

The accuracy of diagnostic results in clinical laboratory testing is paramount for informed healthcare decisions and effective patient care. While the focus has traditionally been on the analytical phase, attention has shifted towards optimizing the preanalytical phase due to its significant contribution to total laboratory errors. This review highlights preanalytical errors, their sources, and control measures to improve the quality of laboratory testing. Blood sample quality is a critical concern, with factors such as hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus leading to erroneous results. Sources of preanalytical errors encompass inappropriate test requests, patient preparation lapses, and errors during sample collection, handling, and transportation. Mitigating these errors includes harmonization efforts, education and training programs, automated methods for sample quality assessment, and quality monitoring. Collaboration between laboratory personnel and healthcare professionals is crucial for implementing and sustaining these measures to enhance the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic results, ultimately improving patient care.